There’s no doubt about it: the world has a plastic problem.

Over the last few years, there have been multiple accounts of whales and other marine life found dead with pounds of plastic in their stomachs. Current research suggests if we don’t act fast, by 2050 there will more plastic than fish in the ocean.

Without major action by corporations and governments around the world, turning the tide can seem like a momentous task. Thankfully, YOU have the power to ignite that change and curb reckless plastic pollution by being a conscious consumer, using your voice, and demanding better—all while you #EatPlantsForAChange!

But before we dive in, let’s address a few simple questions and concerns you may have before we start.

“I recycle, isn’t that enough?” Unfortunately, no. Did you know only 9% of plastic in US recycling bins is actually recycled? This is due to a combination of contamination from poorly cleaned materials, the cost of recycling, inefficiencies in the recycling system itself, and the sheer amount of plastic we produce and consume each year. There’s a reason "recycle" is the last part of the infamous classroom phrase, “reduce, reuse, recycle”--it should be used as a last resort, not a primary solution.

“That’s not my trash, I don’t litter at the beach!” Actually, only a fraction of plastic that ends up in the ocean comes directly from beachgoers. Much ocean plastic pollution occurs in the stages before and after consumers use and dispose of their products. Because plastics are made to be so lightweight they’re easily carried by wind and rain out of transportation centers and landfills to drainage networks and rivers that flow directly into the open ocean. Further, abandoned fishing nets--not trash--make up the largest percentage of plastic floating in the ocean, which comes directly from the process of catching seafood.

“Won’t plastic just break down at some point?” Not really. Plastic never really "breaks down," rather, it simply breaks into smaller and smaller pieces. Even this process takes 400 years or more, depending on the plastic. And with more than 8 million metric tons of plastic entering our ocean every year, marine animals don’t have the time.

The best way we can reduce our global waste problem as consumers is to produce less of it—much of which comes from our diet. So to help you reach pinnacle eco-warrior status and protect our oceans, here’s our list of 8 low-waste tips you can incorporate into your daily routine!

1. Say Goodbye to Bags

8 Easy Tricks to Create Less Waste with Your Plant-Based Diet