Waste in Water

This Trash Talk Tuesday, we’re focusing on waste in our water. By now, we’ve all seen the pictures of suffering marine animals and heard all about how our water sources are becoming increasingly filled with microplastics and contaminants (Brita filters anyone?). There is, thankfully, growing concern about pollution in our water, but with a problem as big as the ocean, what can we as average people do?

At the core of our business is the belief that refusing single-use items whenever possible is vital to solving the problem of waste in our environment. If enough of us regularly choose sustainable products and practices, together we can prevent waste in our water before it even starts. Recycling is of course an option, but it must be done right, or else recycling bins can become contaminated, instantly rendering the entire bin trash, creating even more pollution. When in doubt, throw it out!

Once trash does make it to water, removal can be tricky. Pollution in the water can move far distances and break up into microplastics quickly. Worse, large ocean clean-ups may inadvertently cause even more pollution and disrupt marine life, though better techniques keep being developed. Voluntary beach or small river clean-ups, on the other hand, can be very effective with no ill effects. Supporting these groups in cleaning up and beautifying your local waterfronts can make a tangible difference in your community and at large.

Don’t blame all this waste on yourself though! Corporations are the worst polluters, and we as consumers often aren’t given choices, but all is not lost—there is a lot we can do if we collectively raise our voices. By demanding change and supporting sustainable alternatives, corporations can be forced to respond. We can also lobby for change on a governmental level, petitioning our representatives for accountability laws, bans on certain items, and fines on big-time polluters.

Like drops in the ocean, we may feel insignificant, but when we come together and focus on sustainability, we can turn the tide to preserve the water that is so essential to our lives and to the planet.