Every February 14th people show love and appreciation towards their loved ones. But it’s also the perfect time to show love and appreciation for our oceans and waterways. One person who does just that is Alejandra Warren, Pacifica resident and Executive Director of Plastic Free Future. The California-based non-profit organization is “dedicated to the reduction and elimination of plastic pollution through promoting reusable alternatives and focusing on education to underserved communities.”
In particular, Plastic Free Future aims to provide zero-waste resources to Latinx communities. “The way we manufacture our ‘stuff’ and dispose of our waste…disproportionately affects black and brown communities,” said Alejandra. Thus, the organization is intentional about doing bilingual outreach to Latinx owned businesses to help them transition to more sustainable practices and doing bilingual door-to-door outreach to help residents understand how to comply with sustainability laws. They also hold bi-lingual educational events, composting workshops, and coordinate a reuse incentive program at farmers markets in San Mateo County.
Plastic Free Future’s vision is to create a world in which “future generations can live without the burden of plastics threatening their health and environment.”
“To me, zero waste is not a trend. It is the slow process of re-learning the wise and gentle ways of Mother Earth where nothing ever goes to waste. Zero waste is about our relationship with everyone and everything. It’s an environmental and social responsibility,” said Alejandra.
How Plastic Waste Impacts Our Waterways and Health
So what does plastic pollution in our neighborhoods have to do with the health of our waterways?
“There are very strong connections between plastic pollution and water pollution. Research … being done right here on the San Francisco Bay…has found that most plastics are entering the Bay through storm drains and wastewater. Two less obvious sources are tire particles from roads and plastic microfibers from washing our synthetic clothes.”
Alejandra warren
There, the plastics break down over time into small particles called microplastics. Alejandra continued, “The prevalence of microplastic pollution in our waterways can have serious impacts on wildlife as plastic particles are mistaken for food and ingested. To make matters worse, microplastics absorb other toxic chemicals in the water like a sponge, making them even more toxic than the plastic itself. These pollutants can accumulate and pass through the food chain threatening virtually every type of organism that lives or feeds in aquatic systems—including us!”
How can YOU fall in love with a plastic-free lifestyle?
Luckily, there are actions we can all take to keep plastics out of the ocean. “As individuals we can start small and make smart decisions to reduce our own plastic consumption,” said Alejandra.
We may not be able to go waste-free all at once, but we can dedicate ourselves to the journey. Here are some ways you can reduce plastic waste in day-to-day life:
- This Valentine’s Day, gift your loved ones an experience rather than a material item.
- Refuse single-use plastic foodware, cups, containers, and bags at shops and restaurants.
- Phase out plastic packaging where possible by opting for refillable or reusable containers.
- Use your possessions for their full lifetime before replacing them.
For more zero-waste ideas, check out Plastic Free Future’s Zero Waste Hierarchy, a framework for identifying the most effective ways to reduce waste.
“The scope of this planetary plastic crisis requires all of us as individuals, businesses, governments and organizations to break old habits and shift away from our current excessive consumption of plastics – especially single use plastics.”
Alejandra warren
Learn more and get involved!
To keep the love going this Valentine’s Day, and throughout the year, here are some ways you can get involved with Plastic Free Future:
- Join Plastic Free Future’s reuse incentive program by stopping by the Pacifica, East Palo Alto, or Half Moon Bay farmers markets.
- Volunteer with Plastic Free Future.
- Visit stores and restaurants in your area that offer refill and reuse options. Check out Plastic Free Future’s map of businesses.
Do you know any other inspirational environmental leaders in your community? We’d love to hear about them! Nominate them here.
