Take the Pledge
Join Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, City of Tampa, City of St. Petersburg, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and Keep Pinellas Beautiful in the worldwide movement to reduce waste from single-use plastics.
Reduce Plastic Pollution
Tampa Bay partnering governments and non-profits are joining the worldwide movement to reduce waste from single-use plastics.
According to the Ocean Conservancy, six of the top 10 contributors to marine debris are single-use, or disposable, plastic products. They include food and beverage container caps and lids, beverage bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, cups, plates, cutlery, and drinking straws. Known as “food service ware,” such single-use plastic utensils and containers pose a threat to marine environments because they do not fully break down or decompose. When littered, or caught by the wind, these items get washed into stormwater drains that empty into streams, rivers, bays, and other waterways.
6 Ways You Can Help Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Bring Your Own Bag
Each reusable bag can eliminate hundreds (if not thousands) of single-use plastic bags.
Say NO to Straws or Bring Your Own
Plastic straws are consistently one of the most littered plastic items. Select a reusable option (including metal, bamboo, or silicone) and bring your own straw.
Bring Your Own Reusable Cup and Water Bottle
Replace an average of 500 disposable paper, plastic, or foam cups a year with a reusable cup or mug. Typically, bottled water costs 2000 times more than tap water. Carrying your own bottle cuts waste and is much cheaper. Ask your favorite business if they offer a discount for bringing your own drink container.
Bring Your Own Container and Utensils
When grabbing a meal on the go, bring your own reusable takeout or leftover container and utensils instead of more single-use "doggie bags".
When You Can't Reuse, Recycle Right
Sometime single use products and packaging are hard to avoid. But, trying to recycle the wrong items can do more harm than good. Know your local recycling programs rules on what plastics and other materials are accepted and which are not. Visit TampaBayRecycles.org to make sure you're recycling correctly.
Share Your Success Stories
Lead by example, let your friends and family know what you’re doing, and help others get involved. Use #ReduceYourUse on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share your reduction tips.