The expression “When you’re in a hole, stop digging” is a reminder that continuing the same actions when faced with a problem will often only make things worse.

For decades, we’ve been digging ourselves into a plastic pollution hole by producing and discarding single-use plastics without considering the impacts to the environment, wildlife, and human health.

While individual actions can help, we must hold both manufacturers and lawmakers accountable because avoiding single-use plastics should not be so difficult, time-consuming, or expensive.

We must work collectively as individuals, businesses, governments, and global organizations to end greenwashing and find real, lasting solutions that will help us dig our way out of this metaphorical hole.

Linkd: “Plastic-Lite Living—Earth Day Everyday” offers tips on reducing single-use plastics in your daily life. You’ll also find Surfrider San Diego’s Plastic Laws Database, where you can explore ordinances in San Diego County along with California state legislation. Plus, learn how to report businesses that are not in compliance.

(The tiny toy shovel and hurdles were found at the beach in Carlsbad.)