The impact of plastic pollution on our planet is growing exponentially. Each year, an estimated 18 billion pounds of plastic ends up in the ocean. According to a July 2018 article in National Geographic, nearly 40 percent of all plastic produced is in packaging, which means that much of that is used once and then thrown away. But, together, we can change that startling statistic by inviting all to be a part of the first regional Plastic-Free Challenge.

While eliminating single-use plastics from our daily lives can seem like an overwhelming task, even a few simple changes, like taking reusable bags to the store, turning down straws, and avoiding single use water bottles can make a big difference. The Plastic-Free Challenge has already started and will run through October 19, offering encouragement and useful tips for practical alternatives to commonly used plastic items. Weekly challenges and prize drawings help connect participants and make it fun to participate.

Joining the Plastic-Free Challenge is easy. Just visit the website at tinyurl.com/y9qszgdt to sign up. Invite family, friends and colleagues to join or create a team and work together to reduce your plastic footprint. Then, participate in the challenges through social media and learn new ways to live a plastic-free life. Each step you take will help to make #PlasticFreeDMV a reality.

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/y9qszgdt.