10 Ways Not To Suck

Trash has infiltrated all reaches of our ocean from our coastlines to the deepest depths. That sucks. Luckily, there are 10 easy ways we can stop sucking and start helping.

1. Hold the Straw

There really isn't a need for you to drink that pink lemonade with a straw when you're at a sit down restaurant. By simply asking your waiter to hold the straw, you can prevent another piece of plastic from potentially ending up on our beaches or in the ocean.

2. Keep Your Top On

When you throw away (or preferably recycle) a plastic bottle, keep the bottle cap on. This prevents it from escaping the bin and ending up in the ocean. Bottle caps are buoyant plastics that can be consumed by seabirds, marine life and other animals.

3. Got Baggage?

Plastic bags pose a serious threat to our ocean life. Sea turtles can confuse them for jellyfish, their favorite snack. Bring a reusable bag with you whenever and wherever you go shopping.

4. Seal the Deal

Try only using trashcans and recycling bins that are sealed or have a top. Don’t let the wind blow away your green deed of the day.

5. BYOB

Bring your own bottle. Use a reusable mug or bottle when you’re on the go. Some coffee shops will even fill it for a discount. Save some cash by saving the ocean.

6. Kick Butt

If you need another reason to stop smoking, cigarette butts make up the most common piece of trash we find along our beaches. Volunteers collected over 2 million in 2013 alone.

7. Take Waste Out of Your Takeout

Ask your favorite to-go place to leave the bag, plastic utensils and napkins behind. You can use the food containers to store all the random stuff you have but don’t know where to put.

8. Turn Trash Into Treasure

Check out some Pinterest DIY tips or YouTube tutorials on how to turn extra plastics into your favorite accessories or decorations.

9. Pick Me Up

Take part in the International Coastal Cleanup to rid your local beach or shoreline of trash.

10. Friends Don't Let Friends Suck

Share this with your friends to help them suck less!