Action
The Seven Rs
Although the plastic problem seems (and is) overwhelming, decisions we make every day as consumers can add up.
REFUSE the number of products you buy in plastic containers or packaging. Avoid produce prepackaged in plastic clamshells, film or styrofoam trays. Choose glass or paper-based packaging whenever possible.
REDUCE your plastic consumption when refusing is impossible.
REFILL containers instead of buying new ones. Dish and laundry soap, lotions and shampoos, and many other products can be refilled in local or online shops. Grains, legumes, nuts, teas, coffees, spices and more can be purchased in the bulk sections of local stores. Use your own bags for fruit and produce. Bring containers for refills and bulk products. Carry refillable water bottles.
REGULATE how much new and recycled plastic enters your community by supporting legislation to control the production and use of plastic.
REUSE plastic products before you toss them. Try rewashing ziplock bags to get multiple uses out of them and using old toothbrushes to clean hard-to-reach spots.
REPAIR items that you’re quick to dispose of. If you don’t know how to fix something, try visiting a Repair Cafe.
REGIFT unwanted items to friends and family, charitable organizations or find a Buy Nothing Group in your town.
Recycle what you absolutely can’t avoid buying. Recycling is a limited way to temporarily “downcycle” a small fraction of what’s produced. Recycling guidelines are often not followed. Result: entire loads are contaminated by items that don’t belong and it all ends up in the landfill… or worse.
Legislation
CCAPP supports legislation to reduce the proliferation of single-use plastic packaging and products and to regulate the plastics industry. Call, write to, and meet with your elected representatives to urge them to propose, support, and vote for bills that will help reduce and even eliminate single-use plastic packaging.
Skip The Straw
Showing your appreciation for restaurants that follow the Ulster County “Skip the Straw” law is a great way to demonstrate to the community how important plastic reduction is. The “Skip the Straw” law is a law that prohibits restaurants from handing out plastic straws, cutlery, or condiment packets unless a customer has requested these items. Speak up when you see this law not being followed.
Petitions
CCAPP is circulating petitions to 7 local grocery stores listed below, stating the following:
"We, the undersigned, who are patrons of your store, join our voices with Citizens Concerned About Plastic Pollution (CCAPP) in striving to reduce unnecessary plastic packaging. Most plastic packaging is NOT RECYCLABLE. As consumers, we are making informed decisions about what and where we buy. We ask you to do what you can to reduce single-use plastic packaging in your store, such as letting your distributors know that your customers are asking for alternative non-plastic packaging.” We will be meeting with store managers to present these petitions. Because many stores are part of a corporate chain, we will be taking measures to make sure our message gets passed up to the head offices.”
Grocery Stores included in this petition:
Adam's Fairacre Farms (Kingston)
Hannaford (Kingston and West Hurley)
Mother Earth's Storehouse (Kingston and Saugerties)
Price Chopper (Saugerties)
ShopRite (Kingston)
Sunflower Market (Woodstock)
Sign this petition on Change.org NOW!
Please visit our Facebook page to find out how you can help or join us at our next meeting or event to sign our petitions in person.
Beyond Plastics
Beyond Plastics based in Bennington, VT is a great resource for all things related to plastic pollution. CCAPP became an affiliate in 2022 and we continue to learn and be inspired by Judith Enck and her team.
Learn how to become an affiliate or volunteer with BP.
Sign their petitions online.
Check out online and in-person BP events and sign up for the 7-week class to learn how to implement change in your community.
