Welcome
I'm Beth Terry, an accountant living in Greenbelt, MD (by way of the San Francisco Bay Area). 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
- neil on What are your top plastic saving items?Nancy said I have recently started using Abeego beeswax wraps to cover bowls and to wrap cheeses, half melons, lemons, etc. I really like them. I know
- Paul on what to do with old polyester clothesHi Sarah, I recommend separating into two piles. Items that contain any amount of cellulosic fibers, such cotton, rayon, linen, or ramie, and a pile o
- Nancy Mancison on Treasure hunt the planet needs: A challenge to all of usI was out for a walk on a beautiful Fall morning and as I was admiring the fallen leaves placed in piles carefully and in compliance at the end of sub
- Lauren on Market testing subjects neededJoin
- Raven Sara, L.Ac. on miso in glass?Some companies are offering miso in glass jars. But they either have a plastic lid, or a metal lid with a ring of plastic around the lid. Just enough
- Ben Lewis on Market testing subjects neededGood Morning everyone, I wanted to to take this opportunity to introduce myself, I am the founder of a new company - become eco. Become Eco is a n
- Mark Purdy on Mark Purdy - New Zealand - Week 1Week 3, ending 28/9/19 Total number of items: 9 Recyclable: 1 milk jug Not recyclable: cookie bag, blister pack from AAA batteries, bit of clingfilm t
- Annah Lauren Shrader on Removing plastic straws in Japanese school lunches!Hello everyone! My name is Annah. I’m trying to get rid of plastic straws in Japanese school lunches. It’s a big task, but I’m hoping my petition can
- Mark Purdy on Mark Purdy - New Zealand - Week 1Week 2, ending 21/9/19 Total number of items: 15 Recyclable: 2 meat trays, 1 milk jug Not recyclable: frozen chips bag, frozen veggie bag, 3x musli ba
- Mark Purdy on Mark Purdy - New Zealand - Week 1Intro: I tried the plastic challenge a few years ago, but having re-read Beth's book recently, I have decided to have another go to see how much
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.
