This July, organizations from around the Galveston and Houston area are working together on an initiative called the One Less Plastic Pledge. The goal of this initiative is to engage communities in trash removal efforts and to spread awareness about plastic pollution and prevention measures. These prevention measures include small changes we can make to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic products by switching to more sustainable and reusable alternatives.
Trash pollution is prevalent around the world and has unfortunate environmental impacts. Negative impacts to water quality, habitats, wildlife, community aesthetics, and even increased risk of flooding can occur when there is an abundance of trash and debris in our environment. Plastic pollution is of significant concern and is the most common type of debris found. This is in part due to the longevity of plastics and their widespread use. Plastic production is at an all-time high with 2019 estimates showing as much as 460 million tons of plastic being produced that year alone. Year after year, this number continues to rise. Unfortunately, plastic and other debris often find their way into the environment and can wreak havoc on ecosystems and local wildlife. This is why it is essential communities and organizations work together to remove trash from the environment and reduce our reliance on single use/disposable plastics by swapping these items for reusable ones that can be used time and time again (such as stainless-steel or silicone straws, washable grocery bags, reusable drinking bottles, and so much more!).
What is one less plastic you can pledge to use less of during the month of July and beyond? Share what changes you are able to make by taking the online pledge here: One Less Plastic Pledge (jotform.com). You can also help to support trash removal efforts by joining us at one of our July 27th community cleanup events listed below!
Saturday, July 27th – Volunteer Cleanup Events
Galveston Bay Foundation
Greens Bayou/Brock Adventure Park, 8:30 -11:00AM
https://galvbay.org/event/community-cleanup-with-gbf-and-greens-bayou-coalition/
Texas A&M Forest Service
W.G. Jones State Forest, 8:30 -11:00AM
One Less Plastic Trash Pick-Up Event at W.G. Jones State Forest (office.com)
SPLASh’s Seaside Safari Cleanup
East Beach – Galveston, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Seaside Safari Cleanup – July 27th, 2024 (google.com)
Environmental Institute of Houston
University of Houston-Clear Lake, 9:00 – 11:00 AM
https://www.uhcl.edu/environmental-institute/outreach/uhcl-campus-cleanup
