Annapolis, MD - It's Plastic Free July, where we are asking residents and businesses to put a special focus on the overuse of plastics.
The disposable plastic we use for mere minutes poisons our environment for centuries. Plastic does not break down, it breaks up into increasingly smaller particles called microplastics, which entrap and kill seabirds and marine life, leaching toxins into our waterways and land. Plastic is a problem before it reaches the beach. Researchers estimate up to 11 million metric tons of plastic waste is entering the ocean every year and that by 2025, 11 billion metric tons will have accumulated in the environment*. Plastic contains toxic chemicals that can transfer from containers, cups, cutlery, and straws directly into the food we eat. Plastic Free Annapolis is engaging residents, local businesses and visitors to reduce, and eventually eliminate the use of plastic, more importantly, the use of single-use plastic in Maryland’s Capital City.
Use Reusable Bags
Maryland generates almost 12 million tons of solid waste a year and about 13 percent comes from plastics, including plastic bags. Because plastic bags often clog up recycling machinery and create a safety hazard, they are not recyclable. Please choose to re-use!
Carry a Bottle
Using your own bottle eliminates plastic bottle usage, a huge contributor to ocean pollution. Use an aluminum or glass bottle for the least waste.
Buy in Bulk
Plastic packaging produces incredible amounts of waste. Buying in bulk or at local farmers markets cuts down on plastic packaging.
Recycle
Hold on to your used plastic until you can find the nearest recycling bin. The City of Annapolis provides residential customers recycling containers to use for collection.
Start Small
Plastic waste is an enormous problem, global in scope. Our little actions can keep the City of Annapolis clean - and help our local environment.
