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Use A Reusable Water Bottle
Always carry a reusable bottle with you and simply refill it whenever you need to. Much of bottled water is actually glorified tap water. 100 million plastic bottles are used worldwide every day – contributing to the crisis that is the current state of our planet. Plastic bottles, which were introduced 50 years ago due to increased water pollution, now have a big role in plastic pollution. Ironic, isn’t it?
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Carry A Reusable Bag
The single-use plastic bag is the leading problem in plastic pollution. Every minute 1 million plastic bags are consumed worldwide. The average lifespan of these bags is 12 minutes, while it can take hundreds or even thousands of years for them to decompose. Avoid plastic bags by bringing your own reusable bag, purse or backpack when you go shopping.
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Invest In Reusable Utensils
Single-use plastic utensils are another unnecessary plastic we often encounter. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite out, having a meal on a plane or planning a picnic – pack your reusable utensils. Dig into your meal with a good conscience.
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Simply Say No
Eliminate unnecessary plastic from your life by simply saying no to it. Next time you order a drink out, tell the waitress to keep the straw. Ask your barista for a cup without a plastic lid when you order your coffee – or even better, ask them to fill your reusable cup. If you don’t need it, decline it.
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Intercept When You Can
You cannot pick up every piece of trash we cross paths with, but pick up when you can. Take 15 minutes after a session on the water and clean up your favourite spot on the beach. Join local clean-ups or find an organisation and discover how you can help. Change starts with small actions. Try our trash picker next time you go out paddling and give back to the ocean by collecting waste from the waters.
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Make Better Choices
Whether you are wrapping your lunch or buying a board, keep in mind how your choices affect the environment. Pack your sandwich in a reusable lunchbox instead of a plastic zip-lock bag. Take the bus instead of your car. Buy a recycled t-shirt instead of one that is made from virgin material, and buy second-hand when you can. Take good care of the things you already have. And next time you want to paddle the deep blue – do it on a Starboard Ecoboard.
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Spread The Word
Tell your family, friends and colleagues how they can avoid and intercept plastic in their daily lives. Share these Deep Blue Lifehacks with the people in your life and know that you have made a difference.
Join our Blue Life Facebook group to share your latest findings with our community of Ocean lovers.