Project Clean Water is proud to have kicked off another campaign this summer on ways you can keep your community trash and litter free.
Did you know: Each year, around 500,000 POUNDS OF LITTER AND TRASH enter San Diego’s waterways? This poses a persistent pollution problem.
The good news: There are actions you can start taking today, whether it’s getting familiar with proper waste disposal guidelines or being more intentional about the items you use (or in this case, re-use!), that can help in our efforts to reduce pollution in San Diego.
Think of the four R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Refuse
REDUCE: Single-use plastics—such as bags, cups, utensils and straws—are a major source of pollution in San Diego. What’s worse is they don’t break down and instead become microplastics that can get into our waterways and pollute our environment. Minimize your consumption by making mindful purchases.
*Challenge: Make your own to-go kit that includes common items that you use when you leave your house such as a reusable water bottle, straws, a canvas bag or washable cutlery. Keep it by your door or in your car so you are never without your essentials.
REUSE: Whenever possible, choose reusable or washable cups, utensils or bags. Keep a water bottle handy that you can wash at the end of the day or keep a couple canvas bags in your car to use on your next trip to the grocery store. Before throwing something away, consider if it can be reused.
*Challenge: Choose one single-use item a month to switch out with a reusable one—and switch out an item every month. You’ll be living sustainably in no time!
RECYCLE: If you cannot reuse an item, check to see if it can be recycled by clicking here. Properly disposing of your trash, compost, recycling and hazardous materials can have major benefits to the environment and reduces our carbon footprint.
*Challenge: Print out your recycling guidelines and place them by your recycling bin for an easy, at-a-glance reminder of what goes where.
REFUSE: Reduce your waste all together by refusing items you do not need. Cut down on unnecessary waste around your home: take inventory of what you have or donate items you do not need. Or make a list before heading out so you only buy what you need.
*Challenge: Small plastic purchases—and the trash they produce—add up. Gather your refillable containers and bring them to your local bulk or refill stores for your soap, grocery, skincare and cleaning needs.
Want to learn more?
Check out our “Trash Free Starts With Me” campaign website at projectcleanwater.org/trash-free/ or take our 52 Ways to Love Your Water pledge for even more ways you can help keep San Diego’s waterways clean: projectcleanwater.org/52-ways-to-love-h20/