Minimizing your single-use consumption can be convenient, practical, affordable… and even fun!

art installation made from single-use litter collected on and around kingman island in dc.

When we order a green juice or buy a bottle of water, we feel a little healthier. To us, it’s a nice pick-me-up, but for the critters that live in the Potomac, these beverages are anything but refreshing.

Every day, plastic water bottles, bottle caps, and straws end up in the Potomac River, polluting our water and threatening wildlife. Other forms of plastic like bags make their way into the river as well, contributing to growing concerns about microplastics and “forever chemicals” entering our drinking water.

With the help of our amazing volunteers, we remove literal tons of plastic and trash from our hometown river each year. But there’s still a lot of work to be done!

Pitch in to help clean our waters and protect animals by reducing your use of plastic disposables: Opt for reusable alternatives like these instead.

Metal and glass straws

Photo courtesy of Kent Island beach cleanups

ICYMI: Plastic straws are out. DC banned them in 2019 after the anti-straw movement blazed across social media.

If you don’t think straws are a problem, think again: Consumers in the US use 500 million straws every day.

If you want to reduce the amount of plastic entering the Potomac but still feel like you need a straw to enjoy your favorite drink, try a metal or glass straw. They’re durable, can easily be washed and reused, and they’re small enough to fit in your backpack or bag so you can bring them to restaurants and cafes.

Bonus: Metal and glass straws are a great alternative to plastic ones, but if straw use is optional for you, you can try ditching them altogether. Practice a little conscious consumerism, spare the planet some packaging waste, and you just might decide, “Hey, the straw-free life isn’t so bad!”

Reusable bottles

Hydroflask 24 oz. water bottle — Hydro flask 24 oz. water bottle: $39.95

Say no to single-use bottles by bringing a reusable water bottle everywhere you go! Many plastic bottles end up in our local streams and rivers, presenting serious threats to the wildlife that lives there. On a typical cleanup day, our volunteers collect 60 to 80 bags of trash, and 2/3 of them are filled to the brim with plastic bottles.

So be a friend to the many creatures that live in the Potomac and get yourself a reusable water bottle for everyday use.

Bonus: Need your morning cup of joe to get you through the day? Make your coffee addiction river-friendly by tagging in your favorite thermos or tumbler. Many cafes offer a small discount when you BYO cup!

Reusable bags

Single-use plastic bag bans are becoming more common. So if you’re already bringing reusable bags to your local grocery store, why not bring one everywhere else, too? If you’re going to the mall or need to pick up some items at the drugstore, bring a reusable bag to carry your purchases. Getting a foldable bag like this one that can easily fit in a purse, backpack, or car will help you always be prepared so you never have to use a disposable plastic bag again.

Imagine how many plastic bags you can prevent from entering the Potomac if you used reusable bags every time you went shopping. That’s right, a whole lot!

Bonus: Take your sustainable shopping one step further by bringing mason jars and other containers to buy food in bulk. Stores like Mom’s Organic Market, Yes! Organic, Whole Foods, FulFillery in Takoma Park, MD, and local co-ops offer bulk sections, which means less packaging to pollute our rivers. And buying items in bulk is generally less expensive… it’s a win all around! Check out DC Reduces for more local options.

Reusable cutlery sets

Reusable bamboo cutlery set — Reusable travel cutlery set: $12 from BAMBU

The next time you find yourself heading to your favorite fast food restaurant, don’t pick up that plastic fork and knife. Instead, bring a set of reusable utensils to help cut down on plastic waste. It may seem like a small effort, but those forks and knives quickly stack up if you’re eating out once a week or more often.

Bonus: If your fave take-out option puts your order in a plastic bag, politely say, “I don’t need a bag” when it’s being packed up. Bring one of your reusable bags to carry your food instead.

Want to amplify your eco-friendly dining habits? Check out Too Good To Go and help local restaurants reduce food waste!