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Plastics do not just clog our oceans; it's raining plastic in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park – a sobering idea with all the rush in June.
The US Geological Survey recently reported that 90% of rainwater samples collected from eight Colorado sites contained plastics, mainly fibers.
In the 70s and 80s, you may remember the impact of acid rain on our environment. Microplastics are the 21st century threat to our water, our air, our soil and our human health. More and more people around the world are taking action to combat plastic pollution with campaigns like Plastic Free July.
Breaking with plastic is not easy, but a little awareness and planning can help you dramatically reduce your plastic consumption: remember your reusable shopping bags; Bring your bottle of water and your cup of coffee everywhere; do not ask for straw in beverages and invest in reusable alternatives, such as titanium sporks, stainless steel straws and glbad storage containers.
It's been over a year since I tried (without much success) to avoid the Ziploc bags, but I found an excellent alternative to plastic: zippered, reusable and dishwasher safe silicone bags.
While individual and corporate actions are an essential part of reducing plastic pollution, many communities go even further by banning single-use plastics such as bags and straws.
On May 21, Steamboat Springs City Council pbaded an order banning plastic bags to be taken away in major markets and imposing a 20 cents tax on paper bags. Effective October 1st, City Market, Safeway, Walmart and Walgreens will no longer provide plastic bags. Natural Grocers already offers cardboard boxes instead of plastic bags. Stores will always provide plastic bags for produce and meat / seafood.
Although the ban and bag fees only come into effect in the fall, you can take the habit of bringing your reusable bags to stores as soon as possible. aujourd & # 39; hui. Keep your quiver of bags in the car. After unpacking at home, hang up your reusable bags at the door so you do not forget them.
If you're at Art in the Park this weekend, head over to the Yampa Valley Sustainability Council booth to learn more about banning bags and making your own reusable bag from A recycled t-shirt. We will also be making reusable bags for free at the Steamboat Farmers Market in Main Street on August 24 and September 14.
Now that our community is committed to giving up plastic bags, challenge yourself to remove more plastic by taking YVSC's online commitment on yvsc.org/plasticfree.
Anne Mudgett is Director of Communications and Development Sustainability Council of the Yampa Valley .
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