While the most important actions in humanity’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment still require climate action from large corporations, there is still a role for individuals. On a large scale, the actions of one person can add up to an impact and help our planet. And there is perhaps no easier and more direct way to do this than by reducing the use of single-use plastics.

What is single-use plastic and why is it a problem?

A single-use plastic item is exactly what it sounds like: a plastic product that is specifically designed to be used once and then thrown away. Every plastic bag used to pack your zucchini at the grocery store is a single-use plastic item. Every plastic cutlery wrapper that comes with your takeout meal—often thrown away completely unused—is a single-use plastic item. Every 20-ounce bottle that falls out of the soda machine at your workplace is a single-use plastic item.