Recently I have been more aware of my carbon footprint, energy consumption and the all-around sustainability of my actions. Many books, articles, documentaries have stimulated thought and offered solutions, and through this gathering of information I have become acutely aware that “saving the planet” must start with me and my sphere of influence.  One interesting thing I have found is an article on the Pacific Garbage Patch, a amalgamation of floating plastic (polymer based material that is non-biodegradable).  This floating patch of waste is no small matter as it is currently the size of the continent of Africa. What!

Finding out about these ecological disaster areas motivates me to reduce my plastic intake. In lue of this, I have taken two steps towards reducing my plastic consumption… they are relatively easy, albeit sometimes hard to implement, and are in-line with a pledge I took to Rise Above Plastic, through the Surfrider Foundation (of which I’ve been a member of since 2006).

Using reusable bottles for water and other drinks, you will keep 167 single-use plastic bottles from entering the environment.

Using cloth bags for groceries and other purchases you will save approximately 400 plastics from being used and discarded.

I challenge you to take the pledge and help lessen your carbon footprint on the earth. It is a small, but important step in changing your behavior towards the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle).  Hardest part about it is remembering the clothe bags before you go in the grocery store (I keep them in my truck and then when I’m done unloading I put them by the door to take back out to my truck.  Also I keep my Sigg water bottle in the side pocket of my messenger bag, so I always have it handy.