5 Ways To Cut Plastic Out of Your Life

We know that plastics are harming our environment and our bodies, but reducing plastic use can feel overwhelming. That’s why each summer the Community Environmental Council (CEC) hosts a Plastic-Free Expo and Plastic-Free webinar, where we share the science behind the plastic crisis, and offer solutions to reduce plastic pollution. 

We partner with organizations like Santa Barbara Channelkeeper and experts like Alejandra Warren, co-founder of Plastic Free Future and Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival’s 2024 Environmental Hero, to raise awareness about the impacts of plastics and engage the community in:

• Lifestyle changes that cut plastics out of your life

• Collective actions that can increase access to sustainable choices

• Advocating for policy change to hold companies accountable

Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Below are five actions you can take now to start cutting plastic out of your life, with links to lots of helpful resources.

1. Learn more about the impact of plastics

• Watch “The Story of Plastic,” to learn how you can take action for a future without plastic pollution

• Read this brief history on marine litter research

• Check out the Plastic Soup Foundation to learn how they are stopping plastic pollution at its source

• Read the UN Environment Programme report detailing how the world can end plastic pollution

• Learn about the hidden costs of the plastic crisis from the Center for International Environmental Law

• Review the global Plastic Health Map to see which parts of the world are most impacted by plastic pollution

• Familiarize yourself with the plastic chemicals of concern

• Listen to The Plastic Elephant podcast, hosted by a CEC Climate Steward

• Read about CEC’s plastic reduction efforts

2. Divert your waste

Find out what your local recycling program actually recycles. Look on your city, county, and/or waste management company website. California Central Coast resources include:

• Santa Barbara County’s Recycling Guide

• Ventura County Residential Recycling and Disposal

• San Luis Obispo County Recycling Guide

3. Reduce consumption and prioritize reuse

• Find plastic-free resources near you

• Visit a refill store to see what products you can refill versus purchase new, and get acquainted with lower-waste swaps for cleaning, hygiene, and more. California Central Coast refill stores include:

• Mission Refill in Goleta

• Sunkissed Pantry in Santa Barbara

• The Refill Shoppe in Ventura

• EarthTonics in Ojai

• Learn to mend your clothing

• If you need “new” clothes, consider purchasing second-hand from one of these California Central Coast stores

4. Advocate for plastic reduction

• Learn more about Plastic Free Future’s programs and services

• Take action with CEC: Join CEC's next Climate Stewards cohort, which kicks off in September, and stay tuned for opportunities to join future plastic reduction advocacy efforts

• Ask your grocery store to add bulk bins (or add them back now that public health restrictions from the pandemic are no longer in force)

• Support your local refill shop so they can continue to serve your community

5. Inspire others to take action

• Talk with your friends and family about small steps they can take that make big impacts

• Lead by example–show the youth in your life how to live plastic-free

Together, we can make a massive difference to our health and the planet—one piece of plastic at a time. We hope to see you at a future CEC plastic-free event, or at your neighborhood refill shop!