As of June 8, 2021, carbon dioxide, which drives climate change, reached the highest level in more than 4 MILLION years. Each year, more than 8 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans. Marine animals often mistake plastic as food and become sick, or die as a result. On top of that, more than 1 trillion single-use plastic bags are used each year globally and less than 5% of them are recycled properly. The vast majority of these bags end up in landfills or contaminate environments, causing harm to animals and ecosystems. In the last 50 years, we have lost 70% of our wildlife. Read that again, 70%. It is time for us to stand together and make these companies change their ways NOW, not tomorrow or 20 years from now.

Companies will continue to stick to their old ways unless we stand up and take a stance. Brands listen. If you are disappointed by the amount of plastic that comes with anything you purchase, let the brand know. We need to encourage progression, not perfection. This progression starts with YOU, the consumer.

Every day people can encourage their favorite companies to invest in sustainable alternatives to plastic. Trader Joe’s, for example, announced a major plastic reduction initiative. After an anti-plastic petition gathered 1 million signatures, the retail giant listened to customers and announced a new commitment to sustainability. Small steps like these can make big changes in the long term. 

So let's get 1 million signatures to show Publix, Walmart, Target, and any major grocery store chain to stop using plastic bags and to recycle/repurpose their old plastic bags.