Bending the Arc

In the Social Justice Resource Center January 2026 Newsletter, several staggering statistics were shared about the amount of plastics in our oceans. Here are just a few:

• In total, 14 million tons of plastic are entering our oceans every year.
• By 2050, there will be more plastic (by weight) in our oceans than fish.
• 33% of sea turtles (my favorite sea creature) will ingest plastic in their lifetime, and more than 50% of the dolphin and whale populations already have.
• 274 marine animals die each day from plastic entanglement.
• 73% of beach litter is plastic.
• A large source of plastic pollution are microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in length, originate from larger plastic items breaking down and from synthetic clothing fibers shed during washing.
• There are 20 times more microplastic particles in our oceans than stars in our galaxy.
• The country producing the most plastic waste is the United States at 46 million tons.

Americans cannot seem to live without the convenience of plastic, but we must try! Stopping the demand for plastics starts with you. Here are 10 small ways you can have an impact in 2026:

1. Stop buying bottled water, drinks and sodas in plastic. Period.
2. Wean yourself from single-use plastics. For one, bring your own reusable tote bags, containers, straws and utensils to stores and restaurants (I cringe every time I see a cart full of yellow plastic bags walking out of the grocery store!).
3. Avoid liquid soaps and detergents in plastic bottles. Purchase bars, tabs or sheets (without microplastics) instead.
4. Buy in bulk, looking for eco-friendly packaging or using glass jars whenever possible.
5. Choose clothes made from natural fibers like cotton, wool and hemp.
6. Put pressure on manufacturers to use smarter packaging. Give your money to more sustainable competitors.
7. Ditch microbeads - avoid face wash, toothpaste with microbeads or larger laundry beads and scent boosters that go down the drain and eventually into rivers, lakes and oceans.
8. Go for the cone! Get your ice cream in a cone and avoid the plastic cup and spoon.
9. Avoid plastic wrap and baggies! Secure snacks and sandwiches in beeswax wrap, cloth sacks, or glass containers.
10. Recycle properly. Do not “wish cycle.” Improper recycling contaminates products that could be properly recycled. Remember, while good, recycling is the last resort. Avoiding plastics altogether is the best!

For more sustainability guidelines and tips, read the CSA Sustainability Guidelines.