You’ve seen the images on social media – the beaches covered with garbage, the marine life swimming through obstacle courses made up of garbage. The problem is universal, and a human one, in that it is one that humans can come together and solve.
Single-use plastic (SUP) makes up a great deal of the garbage that is finding its way into our waterways, disrupting the ecology of our oceans, rivers, and lakes, leading to the diminished health of these systems and the creatures that call them home.
But what if there was something simple you could do, as an individual, to combat this? What if it was as easy as saying three simple words: “no plastic please.”
No Plastic Please is a HUMANE ACTION Pittsburgh campaign aimed at reducing SUP to protect our communities’ health, wildlife, and environment.
We suggest starting with refusing the following targeted items when you are dining out, shopping, or attending an event:
- plastic straws
- plastic bags
- plastic cups
- plastic take out containers
- plastic bottles
- all styrofoam
- plastic stirrers
- plastic cutlery
While this can sometimes seem like an impossible task, there are so many alternatives available to items listed above, and all it requires is a little planning:
- Bring your own coffee cup or tumbler to the coffee shop
- Ask the waiter/waitress to forego the straw for your drink when dining out
- Attending a picnic? Bring your own plate, reusable water bottle, and cutlery
- When shopping, bring your own reusable shopping bag
- Dining out or getting takeout? Bring your own container
You can make your own SUP-free kit and carry it with you so you’re ready for any situation. Learn more here.
Little actions can add up to big results. By thinking about your single-use plastic consumption and making a conscious decision to use alternatives, you are contributing to a solution to a growing problem on the planet and making a difference!
If you want to make a difference, please go to the No Plastic Please page and take the Pledge.
We need you! Volunteer to join our campaign to help spread the word about “No Plastic Please” and work toward a goal of making it a movement among individuals, organizations, and legislatures. For more information on volunteering opportunities you can be a part of, email HUMANE ACTION Pittsburgh at info@humaneactionpittsburgh.org/.
NOPLASTICPLEASE.NET