We can start by taking small steps because if nothing else, by limiting our plastic use and encouraging our peers to do the same, we could save a few baby turtles! Think about the baby turtles!
Track Your Plastic Consumption
It is necessary for each one of us to recognize our own plastic consumption. So the first thing you should do is make a list of plastics you use every day:
These would include plastic cups, bottles, bags, personal care products like shampoos that use plastic containers.
If you live in a dorm, observe where residential buildings use the most plastic and think about possible alternatives. Identifying our usage is not difficult but can be immensely eye-opening so go ahead and give it a try!
Be Mindful + Spread the Word
Take a picture of accumulated plastic waste that you see around campus and share it with us using Instagram or Twitter through the hashtag #plasticfreeuofm
Use plastic alternatives. The easiest thing to do is use a reusable water bottle or a metal straw/reusable cutlery. There are so many options so you can continue being trendy + environmentally friendly. It’s a win-win!
Join our awareness campaign: just signing up for our emails is a start where you can get information about our progress at Michigan, goals and small fun challenges for you and your friends to try at home!
Get involved with pro-environmental groups on campus (There is a lot of amazing work being done by student organizations and Planet Blue)
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- See the Planet Blue website for more detailed information but you can get involved by becoming an ambassador, joining groups or even attending the Sustainability Town Hall
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Images from:
- https://www.younggenerationshop.com/products/travel-camping-cutlery
- https://www.cnet.com/news/best-water-bottle-for-2020/
- http://sustainability.umich.edu
