July 11, 2025
Your Plastic-Free Checklist
From the deepest trenches in the ocean to the most remote places in the world – plastic is everywhere. Despite the threats to our health and our oceans, the amount of plastic entering the ocean is projected to triple by 2040.
Imagine a world where our oceans are teeming with life instead of plastic. A world where our beaches are pristine and our ecosystems are thriving without the constant threat of pollution.
This vision is a future within reach – but only through collective effort. Join Oceana in tackling the plastic pollution crisis by stopping it at the source.
YOUR PLASTIC-FREE CHECKLIST
3 THINGS TO KNOW
Plastic is inescapable for ocean animals. Over 900 species, including seabirds, fish, sea turtles, and whales, are affected by plastic. Marine life is consuming or being entangled in everything from food wrappers and balloons to bags and packing straps.
Plastic has a huge carbon footprint. Most single-use plastics are made from fossil fuels, which are notoriously warming our oceans and our climate. Plastic contributes to climate change at each stage of its life cycle. Current projections show plastic production tripling by mid-century, far outpacing recycling and resulting in more plastic in the ocean.
Plastics impact human health. Plastic is now being found in our air, soil, water and bodies. The risks to human health stem from production to waste-management processes. We need our global leaders and companies to take responsibility for the effects of plastic on our health and the environment.
3 THINGS TO DO
Hold leaders accountable. The most effective way to combat plastic pollution is to stop it at the source. Advocate the enforcement of the Environmental Protection (Pollution from Plastics) Regulations, 2020, to reduce the number of plastics in Belize, transition to biodegradable products, and protect human health from the negative effects of plastic pollution.
Call for sustainable options. Plastic foam is one of the most common plastics polluting our environment — both inland and along coastal areas. If you can, dine-in at restaurants with reusable plates and silverware to avoid taking your food and drinks to go. And speak up for more sustainable options!
Take the Plastic-Free pledge! A plastic-free future is within our reach, but only through collective effort! Pledge to help the oceans by tackling plastic pollution — not just this Plastic Free July, but every month.
LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO PROTECT THE OCEANS?
You can sign up to join our powerful Wavemaker community, which has helped Oceana in winning over 325 victories and protecting over 4 million square miles of ocean. After signing up, we’ll email you about ways you can take action!