Questions to Think About
- How did Womble end up at the aquarium?
- Why did Womble eat the balloon?
- What sorts of things could you use instead of plastic bags?
- What could you use to replace balloons as decorations at parties?
- How could you convince your parents to use less plastic?
Returning Womble to the Ocean
Click here for a lesson plan to go along with Womble's Tale.
What Can You Do?
Refuse
- Refuse single use, disposable plastics. Start small- refuse one piece of plastic a day.
- Say no to straws for your drinks. You can purchase glass or stainless steel straws to take with you.
- Politely decline a bag for one or two items you can easily carry. Always remember your reusable bag!
- Don’t accept plastic bags for takeout food.
- Refuse to use single use cups. Buy a reusable cup and take it with you. Many places will give you a discount for having your own cup.
Reduce
- Do a survey of plastic items that you use every day. Keep track for two weeks. What items can you do without?
- Ready to get serious? Check out how to cut plastics out of your life: Plastic Free Guide
- Use reusable bags rather than plastic bags.
- Find ways to use less plastic in your classroom. Get the whole school to participate.
- Write letters to your local government suggesting ways to eliminate plastic.
- Write letters to the newspaper explaining the problem and suggesting ways people can use less plastic.
Reuse
- Find ways to reuse plastic bottles. Some ideas include bird feeders, decorative flower planters and art projects.
- Find ways to reuse plastic bags. Some ideas include trash can liners, wet clothing holder, dog walking clean up devices and art projects.
- Search the web for other, creative ways to reuse a variety of plastics. Here are some examples we like: NC Aquarium FF Pinterest Crafting Page.
Recycle
- Recycle any plastic you do use.
- If you do have plastic bags, take them to the store to be recycled. Many types of plastic bags are recyclable. Learn more here: Plastic Film Recycling
- Some plastic needs to be recycled in a specific way such as bottle caps. Learn more here: Earth911 Recycle Bottle Caps
- Start your own recycling program at school!
Clean Up
- Never release balloons. Pop them and put them in the trash instead.
- Pick up trash wherever you find it, especially on the beach. Then share that data with scientists studying marine plastics: Marine Debris Study
- Organize a trash pickup around your school and playground. Remember that plastic bags can blow a long way.
- Organize or participate in a beach cleanup. One great opportunity is the NC Big Sweep.