Plastics Reduction Resources
Looking for Ways to Reduce Single Use Plastics in Lake Oswego?
Personal Actions
Here are few suggestions on reducing your own plastics usage. For more complete tips, check out this article in the Lake Oswego Review!
Bring Containers to the Supermarket. Bring a set of mesh bags to replace produce bags. The tare weight is right on the side making checkout easy. Mason jars are great for bulk flours and nut butters. And in a pinch, use those brown mushroom bags instead of plastic bags. Update: The Oregon Department of Agriculture is not allowing New Seasons to permit customers to bring their own containers or produce bags. New Seasons is working to change this.
Buy Wisely. Do you need to bag up that squash? Probably not. Can you buy cream cheese packaged in foil and paper instead of plastic? Never buy pre-packaged produce. Buy meat at the deli counter where it is wrapped in paper instead of plastic.
Refill Containers. Have you heard that bar soap is all the rage now? You can also refill shampoo and household cleaners from bulk at stores like New Seasons. If you’re feeling crafty, you can make many cleaners at home.
Bring Your Own. That coffee cup or plastic clamshell that holds your take out food or coffee for less than hour will exist, basically, forever. Many cafes offer mug discounts now. Reusable straws made from metal (some with silicone tips for those who need to bite a straw), or glass, are sold widely now, with brushes for cleaning. If you’re dining in, opt for a durable mug or plate as opposed to disposable.
Skip disposable products. K-Cups, disposable razors, Lunchable-type products are all convenience items with simple, less plastic alternatives. Buy a refillable K-cup insert, an old fashioned metal razor, and try to minimize the quick, packaging intense, lunch options.
No bottled water or soft drinks. Aside from the many other horrific environmental impacts of bottled water, it’s completely unnecessary. Bring your own water bottle. Choose other cold drinks that come in glass or aluminum instead of plastic. Because even though plastic bottles are recyclable, their reusable content is very low, and that lid is pure garbage.
Say no to takeout plastics. Yes, it can be difficult to convince a restaurant to use your takeout container, but when ordering, be very clear that you do not need plastic cutlery, 100 napkins, and individually packaged (in plastic) condiments.
No plastic wrap or sandwich bags. This is an easy one. Aluminum foil is a great replacement for plastic wrap. Beeswax wrap is reusable, sticks well to the shape of dishware, and can be washed. Sandwich bags can be replaced with reusable containers.
Use more glass. If you already have a huge stash of Tupperware, then continue to use it until it falls apart! But when you replace it, choose glass containers to store your food, and Mason jars for everything from your smoothie to storing pantry items.
Avoid bioplastics. The words “compostable” or “biodegradable” really do not mean anything in a normal waste environment. California does have requirements for breakdown, and there are some brands that comply. However, in general these products do not break down at a traditional compost facility, and behave exactly like regular plastic if they find their way into the ocean. We do not allow compostable anything in our curbside program. In some cases, these products also have a higher carbon footprint than traditional plastics!
Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to make more of a difference in the community? The Surfrider Foundation Portland Chapter has a couple of programs that you can help with when it comes to reducing plastics!
Our Ask
- Add “No straw, please” when you’re at restaurants
- Bring your own reusable straw with you – there are many great options from stainless steel to bamboo to glass!
- Volunteer with our program – find out how by emailing ditchthestraw@portland.surfrider.org
- Write a yelp review telling your favorite restaurant how much you appreciate them choosing to ditch the straw
- Post a photo of you and your friends ditching the straw and tag us (@SurfriderPortland) and #DitchTheStrawPDX on social media! We need your help to spread the word and the message
Email Kenzie at ofr@portland.surfrider.org if you would like to work with a Lake Oswego restaurant to become Ocean Friendly!
The Ocean Friendly Restaurants program offers restaurants an easy way to show their commitment to making sustainable choices for our ocean. Interested in becoming a Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant Member?
Restaurants participating must follow the first five criteria:
- No expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam).
- Proper recycling practices are followed.
- Only reusable tableware is used for onsite dining, and disposable utensils for takeout food are provided only upon request.
- No plastic bags offered for takeout or to-go orders.
- Plastic straws are provided only upon request.
And choose a minimum of three of these criteria as well:
6. No beverages sold in plastic bottles.
7. Discount is offered for customers with reusable cup, mug, bag, etc.
8. Vegetarian/vegan food options are offered on a regular basis; and / or all seafood must be a ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch or certified as sustainable.
9. Water conservation efforts, such as low-flow faucets and toilets, are implemented.
10. Energy efficiency efforts such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, are in place.
