How To Reduce Plastic Like A Local

By Guest Contributor Sara Mais

Photos by Monique Kuhlman

Have you ever wondered about how to add a hint of sustainability to your lifestyle? I’m not talking about going full-on eco-warrior here (though more power to you if you want to take it to the next level!) but more in the family-friendly, non-time consuming, local solutions kind of way. 

As the Development Director for LA-based plastic pollution non-profit, the 5 Gyres Institute, my job is to fundraise for and promote our science, advocacy, and community work. Working here, I have learned a lot about reducing plastic in my home, reusing or choosing not to buy things I don’t need, and other small but important things one can do to leave our planet a little greener than we found it. 

Microplastics - Tiny Item, Big Problem!

Microplastics are small bits of plastic that are 5mm or less (about the size of a pencil eraser) and have now been found in our air, water, beaches, food, and even our bodies. 

Not to scare you, but the science is out there and it shows that tiny particles enter our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. When accumulated, they can cause organ and cellular damage in a variety of ways and can pose serious threats to human and animal health. The good news is that you can educate yourself and take small steps to mitigate your exposure to microplastics, starting today!

Primary microplastics such as glitter, microbeads used in some brands of laundry powder, and the filler beads in weighted blankets are easy enough to avoid, but secondary microplastics that come from the breakdown of larger items are more challenging (but not impossible!) to eliminate from our lives. Simple swaps like switching your plastic cutting board for wood and not microwaving your leftovers in the take-out containers they came in can really go a long way in reducing your microplastic intake. 

Wolf's Brew Coffee

Local Solutions, Big Impact:

Simple things that can reduce your impact on the environment include: bringing your own bags to the store, using a reusable mug when you go out for coffee (see Choose to Reuse box), and refusing single-use straws, cutlery, and sauce packets when getting take-out. 

To keep things simple, here are some keywords to watch out for when you are shopping for food, clothes, and home goods: 

Plastic-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, BPA-free, PFAS-free, PVA-free, no flame retardants used, and check for certifications like OEKO-TEX, EWG Verified, Cradle to Cradle Certified. 

Sustainability Isn’t Just For Adults! 

Making “saving the planet” fun is the key to raising thoughtful, eco-conscious kids, and can be as simple as:

• Engaging in your local “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook. Need a foam pillow for a spider costume’s legs? Your neighbor’s got you covered (Thanks, Lisa!)

• Dropping off and picking up books at a local tiny library. We dropped off an extra version of Unicorn Candy Land for another family to enjoy! Find registered Little Free Library online at littlefreelibrary.org/map.

• Participating (or starting!) in hand-me-down swaps with your friends and their kids.

• Leading a beach “treasure hunt” (clean-up) for your kid’s class. Maybe it’s just me, but I did this recently for my daughter Charlotte’s career day and it was ADORABLE! Check-out page 42 in this issue for local clean-up groups.

These easy, safe, and fun activities can make you feel more connected to your community and even save you money in the process! 

Swapping For Sustainability (In Long Beach)

What you might not be thinking about is supporting local businesses that are doing their best to help YOU live sustainably by providing unique products and services. 

BYO Long Beach 431 E. 1st St, 90802 | 148 N. Marina Dr, 90803 

This plastic-free shop has amazing options for those looking to make some quick swaps to reduce the amount of plastic in their home. You can also refill your old jars with clean ingredient laundry & dish detergents, shampoo, hand soap, face wash, and even loose leaf tea. 

Ethikli 352 E. 4th St, 90802

Carefully sources 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and low waste essentials that are ethically produced to prioritize people, fairness, and transparency. 

Tattered 5555 E. Stearns St, 90815

If you love to buy unique clothes and have some to sell - this is the shop for you! Fast fashion and micro-trends are a huge reason why our landfills are stuffed with clothes. Slow it down by buying secondhand.

Fairtrade Long Beach Retail Collective 4105 N. Bellflower Blvd, 90808

They have a perpetually rotating collection of one-of-a-kind items: gifts, clothing, jewelry and so much artwork! 

Dipping your toe into the sustainability world doesn’t have to be scary! But once you jump in, you might find that there are lots of kind, thoughtful, and creative individuals out there that will help you make your next best choice so that our community is a cleaner, greener, place. Thanks for doing your part!

For more information about plastic pollution, visit 5 Gyres Institute online at 5gyres.org. 

Try a Few Of My Personal Favorites, Available Today At BYO Long Beach:

SWAP THIS —--> FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Kitchen sponge	Dish Brush or Copper Cloth
Plastic Wrap	Bee's Wax Wrap
Plastic Storage Container	Steel Food Storage Container
Plastic Toothbrush and Toothpaste Tube	Bamboo Toothbrush and Toothpaste Tablets
Plastic Dryer Sheet (single use)	Wool Dryer Balls with Essential Oils

---

Choose to Reuse Initiative

Long Beach businesses that accept reusables! (current as of 2/20/25)

4TH STREET / RETRO ROW

• Alder & Sage, 366 Cherry Ave

• CoffeeDrunk, 2701 E. 4th St

• Ethikli Sustainable Market, 352 E. 4th St

• Gusto Bread, 2710 E. 4th St

• Salud Juice Bar, 1944 E. 4th St

ALAMITOS BAY

• Blk Dot Coffee, 6473 Pacific Coast Highway

• Bring Your Own Long Beach, 148 N. Marina Dr

BELMONT SHORE & HEIGHTS

• Colossus Bread, 4716 E. 2nd St

• Daily Perks, 4406 E. 7th St

• The Library Coffee House, 3418 E. Broadway

• Philz Coffee, 4801 E. 2nd St

• Salud Juice, 4918 E. 2nd St

• Sheldrake Coffee Roasting, 4606 E. 2nd St

• Stereoscope Coffee, 4925 E. 2nd St

BIXBY / CAL HEIGHTS / NORTH LB

• Bixby Joe Coffee and Tea, 4245 Atlantic Ave

• Black Ring Coffee Roasters, 5373 Long Beach Blvd

• Cassidy’s Corner, 4150 Gowan St, Unit 7 (LBX) 

& 3846 Atlantic Ave

• Ding Tea, 3908 Atlantic Ave

• Philz Coffee, 3850 Atlantic Ave

• Rooted, 3805 Atlantic Ave

• Sala Coffee & Wine Bar, 3853 Atlantic Ave

• Steelhead Coffee, 1208 E. Wardlow Ave

• Tierra Mia Coffee, 425 E. Pacific Coast Hwy & 1907 E. Carson St

• Wrigley Coffee, 437 E. Willow St

BLUFF HEIGHTS & CARROL PARK

• Granny’s Donuts, 395 Redondo Ave

• Honeybee’s, 301 Loma Ave

• Hot Java, 2101 E. Broadway

• Jug Band Coffee and Tea, 2771 E. Broadway

• Steelhead Coffee, 3350 E. Broadway

DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH

• Black Dog Coffee Roasters, 1101 E. 3rd St

• Bluestone Lane (Westin Hotel), 333 E. Ocean Blvd

• Bring Your Own Long Beach, 431 E. 1st St

• Confidential Coffee, 137 W. 6th St

• Culture Shrooms, 408 E. 1st St, #102

• Daily Dose, 440 Pine Ave

• East Village Cafe, 443 E. 1st St

• Green Wisdom, 702 Cedar Ave

• Qargo Coffee, 707 E. Ocean Blvd

• Recreational Coffee,

237 Long Beach Blvd

• Rose Park Coffee Roasters, 800 Pine Ave  & 455 E. Ocean Blvd

EAST LONG BEACH

• Ding Tea, 1716 Clark Ave

• Hojas Tea House, 4501 E. Carson St #109

• Miss Priss Cupcakes, 4131 Norse Way

• Steel Cup Cafe, 2201 N. Lakewood Blvd

• Wolf’s Brew Coffee, 4145 Norse Way

ROSE PARK

• Rose Park Roasters, 3044 E. 4th St

• Wood Coffee Co, 2728 E. 10th St

ZAFERIA & EASTSIDE

• Cottage Café, 1287 E. Anaheim St

• Devi’s Donuts, 3600 E. Anaheim St

• Good Time, 1322 Coronado Ave