Frequently Asked Questions

How did you determine which products to include here?

The majority of marine waste is from single-use plastic and we want to change that. We've curated a selection of products that replace single-use plastic items, are well-designed, and get high ratings. The ideal product is free of plastic, but that isn't always possible so we also look for ones with recycled content and lower plastic content.

What is BPA and why should I avoid it?

BPA stands for bisphenol A, an industrial chemical that is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Several toxic effects have been linked to BPA in the past, including infertility, IBS, vitamin D deficiency, and cancer according to Dr. Josh Axe. If a product isn't labeled, the Mayo Clinic notes that some, but not all, plastics marked with recycle code 3 or 7 may contain BPA.

What's the difference between a biodegradable and compostable product?

Biodegradable items refer to any material that breaks down and decomposes in the environment, while compostable items are organic matter that breaks down into nutrient-rich soil. It's important to understand that compostable products require certain conditions to break down, so you must commit to actually composting those items properly, rather than just sending them to a landfill. Go here to learn how to compost.

How do I buy a product?

Click on the BUY button to take you to the retailer's site where you can buy the product. Currently, all links take you to Amazon. Read more about how Amazon is improving their packaging.

Why should I use less plastic?

  1. Plastic production contributes to climate change.
  2. Plastics pollution is killing vulnerable wildlife.
  3. Enormous amounts of plastic waste are thrown away into landfills, taking up valuable space.
  4. The amount of plastic polluting oceans could nearly triple by 2040 without urgent action.
  5. Reusing products rather than using single-use plastic saves money.

What is an easy way to make an impact in reducing plastic waste?

Replace single-use plastic products with a reusable one. Reuse beats single-use on every environmental metric, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, resource extraction, and plastic pollution. Check out our reusable bags and water bottles.

What personal care products can be replaced with less plastic or plastic free versions?

Check out our swabs, deodorants, tampons, shampoo, razors, and toothbrushes.