Welcome
I'm Beth Terry, an accountant from Oakland, California. In 2007, I unexpectedly found myself an activist, author, and public speaker after learning about the devastating effects of plastic pollution and my own plastic footprint. This site has evolved from a simple blog (formerly known as "Fake Plastic Fish") to a comprehensive resource on plastic-free living. Please explore, join a challenge, ask questions, subscribe. Together, we can change the world.
Read the Book!
Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too
is your illustrated, practical guide to living with less plastic, updated with new chapter and foreword by musician Jack Johnson. Click here to learn more.Get Started
Here are my top 100 steps to get started on a plastic-free journey. Choose a few to begin with. Don't try to do it all at once!
- Carry reusable shopping bags.
- Give up bottled water.
- Shop your local farmers market.
- Say no to plastic produce bags.
- Buy from bulk bins as often as possible.
- Cut out sodas, juices, and all other plastic-bottled beverages.
- Buy fresh bread that comes in either paper bags or no bags.
- Return containers for berries, cherry tomatoes, etc. to the farmer's market to be reused.
- Bring your own container for meat and prepared foods.
- Choose milk in returnable glass bottles.
Join the Discussion
- Pennybins on Old News from New GuestCan I get some alternative ideas for replacing plastic straws? I am new to this website.
- Mimi on Items that stump medog poop bags—the City requires plastic bag. I have to buy them as I don’t use them. Anti-perspiration - no, I don’t mean deodorant—they are very dif
- Jeanne Yacoubou on glass food storage containers with stainless lidsThis product was the feature of a post on this site: https://myplasticfreelife.com/2011/06/airtight-glass-food-storage-containers-review-giveaway/ C
- Maddie on Communities and Plastic WasteHi, My name is Maddie and I am currently researching the public opinion about plastic pollution and what is being done about addressing the issue. I’m
- LilDixieCups on Protein supplements without plastichttps://www.planetprotein.com/challenge#contact_form late to the post but check this out. PP packaged in bamboo bags
- Maddie on Plastic Pollution ResearchHi, My name is Maddie and I am currently researching the public opinion about plastic pollution and what is being done about addressing the issue. I
- Beth Terry on HangersI wouldn't trash existing plastic hangers and replace with new ones, but if I did need new ones, I would purchase wooden hangers or cardboard one
- TW on Plastic-free puking bagsWax coated paper barf bags are available. I know a plastic-free person who volunteered for a time to pick up college students at night which also brin
- Jill on NOT "Bulk" litter!!! Shame on Petco!^Refilling a "non-plastic container" from the bulk bin wouldn't be better, b/c as you take from the bin, they fill it with more bagged
- Bret on miso in glass?I just ran across this miso, which is packaged in glass: http://www.traditionmiso.com/
My Plastic-Free Life Videos
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Take the Challenge!
Do you know your plastic footprint?
Join participants around the world in the "Show Your Plastic Trash" Challenge! No guilt. Just education.
