When I first started diving into the world of sustainable living, I spent countless hours watching videos and reading articles on how we can reduce plastic waste. I was blown away by the passion and camaraderie among people who’ve chosen to ditch single-use plastics in favor of more eco-friendly options. It’s inspiring to see a community rally behind the idea of a healthier planet—but equally surprising to find a small group who believe there’s nothing wrong with the current state of our oceans. Some folks even argue that because certain countries contribute “less” plastic to our oceans, it isn’t a global issue. But let’s be honest: if trash is going into the water, it affects all of us—no matter whose flag is on it. It’s not about being left or right, American or otherwise; it’s about living on the same Earth and dealing with a shared problem.
What also struck me was the number of people who seem to think they’re “too cool” for reusable items. Maybe it’s pride, or maybe it’s just habit. Reaching for a plastic straw is automatic for many of us—we’ve been doing it for years without a second thought. But here’s the truth: using a reusable straw or a refillable water bottle won’t kill you. Sure, you might stand out a bit when you politely ask your server to skip the straw, or when you pull out your own stainless steel one from your bag. Maybe your friends will tease you. But is that really too high a price to pay for helping preserve the oceans and beaches we all love?
It’s all about strength in numbers. The more people who replace single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives, the bigger the impact we make. Even small changes—like opting for a reusable bottle instead of grabbing a plastic one at the grocery store—add up over time. And once you commit to one eco-friendly habit, it often snowballs into other positive changes in your life. That’s the beauty of this movement: it empowers us to do better, step by step.
Above all, I’m grateful for the growing community that’s willing to put in the effort. For anyone still on the fence, I encourage you to give it a try—start with just one swap. Whether it’s a reusable straw, a tote bag instead of plastic bags, or our ErthsFlask to keep your drinks hot or cold without any extra waste, every little step matters. Let’s keep moving forward together, beyond politics and pride, toward a world where caring for our planet is the default, not the exception.
