Plastic free…I dare you…

contributed by Roberto Gaitan

This week we heard from Jace Tunnell and his efforts to raise awareness of the impact of Nurdles. But this is just one piece of the puzzle. Even if we never have Nurdle spills and accidents ever again, we remain addicted to plastic. We remain hooked on the misconception that plastic is inexpensive and convenient. Hidden from consumers, from the very beginning, is the true cost for this convenience. When we did begin to become concerned, we were told recycling was the answer…and it did feel like we were making a difference.

But are we? We have been tricked again! Consider: The Great Recycling Con.

Should we stop recycling and give up? No, but I like the suggestion that we buy as if what you are buying cannot be recycled at all.


During our Chapter meeting, I highlighted the NOAA – Planet Stewards book discussion taking place on Monday. I hope you can attend and consider what each of us can do regarding our plastic use.

Plastic Free book discussion.

Canned Water…as crazy as selling water in a plastic bottle.
Why ask for Canned Water?

What can we do to solve such a huge problem? Well, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. So take some small steps. Maybe think about the next time you reach for a bottle of water…


I hope you also consider participating in Plastic Free July. Can you, for one month, commit to not using single-use plastic? Can we as a Chapter make that commitment?  As we used to say when we were kids, I dare you…in fact, I double-dog dare you!



Plastic Free: The Inspiring Story of a Global Environmental Movement and Why It Matters


Find out more about the NOAA Book Club and see the lineup for the rest of the 2020-2021 academic year.


The third annual Texas Plastic Pollution Symposium will be held on March 4th and 5th, 2021 at the Beach Resort in South Padre Island, Texas.


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