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I just quit plastic.

I know its a useful material, in fact that is the core of the problem! Plastic is too valuable to eliminate yet too harmful to continue in its current state, so what do we do?

Essentially, we need to close the loop on the supply chain and make sure all the plastic that is used at least is recycled so we don’t need to keep using more and more oil to make more!

I know that it feels like its too big of a problem for an individual’s actions hence why I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands and quit plastic. Today.

I have avoided most SUPs (single use plastics) for some time now, but I’m ready to say goodbye to all of them. Armed with my glass jars and containers, I am on a mission to not use ‘disposable plastics’ at all. Some are easier to avoid than others. My re-useable ‘nalgene’ drink bottle has traveled the globe with me and its still going strong. I have a coffee and a tea cup I’m pretty attached to and a set of utensils in my backpack in case I eat somewhere that doesn’t offer cutlery that’s not disposable plastic. And the plastic bag ban isn’t affecting me since I have avoided plastic ‘shopping bags’ of all kinds like the plague for a few years now. I’ve got shampoo and soap bars to combat the bottles in the shower and switched to an organic deodorant that comes in a cardboard tube.

This isn’t about me though, this is about plastic.

There’s lots of ways you can live without it and by sharing with you some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up, maybe it will be a little easier to make decisions with nature in mind.

I want to help you on your journey to quit plastic, whatever stage you’re at. Its better for you and of course better for the planet. I know there is friends and family following me on my journey from all over the world and I suppose different locations will have various challenges to finding bulk options for food or places that will accept you containers to put food in for you, but if everyone tried to reduce their waste rather than not doing anything, this world would be a way better place.

Sara Kulins

Hi! I'm Sara a New Yorker that's addicted to ocean adventures. I moved to New Zealand in 2015 and have spent much of my time here either in or on the ocean. I'm currently doing my masters at Leigh Marine Lab, University of Auckland while working as an outdoor/marine educator. Advice from experience: give in to the call of the ocean, you won't regret it.