We use plastics every day, from the packing of our food to the products we use every day. Because of this, beginning to address the plastic waste problem can often feel incredibly overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many different organizations and groups dedicated to helping communities band together and address the plastic waste problem. Individual action will not solve the problem but community organizations do have the power to make a difference.
How to Get Involved:
Getting involved and volunteering with local organizations that are already addressing the Climate Crisis is a crucial way to make an impact. There are many organizations, such as Beyond Plastics and Be The Solution to Pollution that are already doing work to combat the plastic problem. It is also important to research and find different organizations in your local community! Don’t be afraid to reach out, many organizations have volunteer opportunities and are always looking for new members.
Be The Solution to Pollution is an organization that focuses on the plastic crisis and often holds cleanups based on the south coast of Massachusetts. Check out their calendar of upcoming events and reach out through: bethesolutiontopollution@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/pollutionsolution, call at 508-496-0708, or on Instagram @marylou4oceans to become involved. 
For those who are still in school, look for groups already active on college campuses. If your school has none, try creating one! College campuses and high school extracurriculars are great ways to meet like-minded individuals and create meaningful change. Look for ways to make your schools more sustainable and try to discourage the use of plastic products in schools.
Individual Actions:
Only 9% of plastics ever get recycled, so reducing single-use plastic waste is important for combating the plastic waste problem. Reusing products that one has already bought also helps reduce harmful waste. The best solution is to reduce plastic consumption and push for companies to reduce or stop plastic production altogether. Do research and find local stores that offer to refill products and are more sustainable. There are also some great online resources such as Earth Hero.
Avoiding participating in fast fashion trends also goes a long way towards helping the environment. Consuming products with a focus on reuse and longevity is incredibly important for combating the current waste problem.
Participating in local beach cleanups and brand audits, like those done by Be the Solution to Pollution, helps to identify major polluters and hold them accountable. Brand audits allow us to know what kind of plastic and what brands are getting into our ecosystems and hold the brands that create these pollutants accountable for cleaning it up. This information is important for passing more comprehensive legislation. There are templates available so more people can participate and contribute their own brand audits.
Most importantly, be aware! Local laws and legislature can make a huge impact on the climate crisis. Know what laws are being proposed and ensure lawmakers know voters want to see climate action.
Currently there is a Bottle Bill being proposed in Rhode Island which would help reduce the plastic water bottle waste and needs voter support. See the Bottle Bill page for more information on what is being proposed and how to get involved!
More Resources:
State Beverage Container Deposit Laws