Pledge to Quit the Cutlery
You already Skip the Straw, bring your own grocery bags and carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go. If you’re looking for one more easy way to help the ocean, consider this: quit the cutlery.
In 2018, for the first time since Ocean Conservancy first began counting cutlery as a separate data category, plastic forks, knives and spoons were among the top ten most-collected items in the world during Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). ICC volunteers removed nearly 2 million from beaches and waterways around the world.
A 2015 study by Ocean Conservancy scientists and partners found that plastic cutlery are among the most dangerous to ocean animals such as seabirds and turtles, especially as they break up into smaller microplastics.
For the sake of our ocean and the animals that call it home…
Pledge to Quit the Cutlery
Stash a spork. Throw a travel set of reusable cutlery into your bag or purse so you’re always ready for an ocean-friendly snack.
When eating out, dine in. Choose places that offer reusable silverware. You’d be surprised how many fast-casual places have reusable utensils—it never hurts to ask!
When on the go, just say no. If ordering food to-go or picking up food, say “no thanks” to plastic forks, knives and spoons.
Get messy. If reusable cutlery isn't an option, consider ordering finger foods like pizza or sandwiches.