Plastic, as Dr. Renaud explained, isn’t just a convenience—it’s a growing problem. It’s made from fossil fuels, contributes to climate change, and doesn’t fully break down, instead turning into microplastics that are now showing up in our air, water, and even our bodies. That’s why she encouraged listeners to think beyond just recycling and start focusing on reducing plastic use altogether. And the good news? It doesn’t take a complete lifestyle overhaul to make a difference.
A great place to start is the kitchen, where most household plastic waste comes from. Simple swaps like bringing reusable bags to the store, choosing glass containers instead of plastic, buying in bulk, and skipping plastic utensils can go a long way. From there, you can move into other parts of the home. In the bathroom, try refillable soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, or products packaged in paper instead of plastic. Even in the living room, being mindful of materials—like choosing furniture made from natural fibers, wood, or metal—can make a difference over time.
One of the more surprising parts of the conversation? Clothing. Many modern fabrics contain synthetic materials like polyester, which shed microplastics and don’t biodegrade. Dr. Renaud suggested looking for natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen, and even using special laundry bags to catch microplastics when washing synthetic clothing.
But perhaps the most important takeaway was mindset. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. Start with one or two changes, stick with them, and build from there. Over time, those small adjustments become habits, and collectively, they can have a huge impact.
The timing couldn’t be better, with several community events happening right now in Santa Fe. The Great American Cleanup is taking place this weekend, giving residents a chance to come together and help clean up the city. There’s also Arbor Day, Earth Day, and a variety of local sustainability events and volunteer opportunities that bring people together around a shared goal—taking care of our community and our environment.
At the end of the day, this conversation was a reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about making thoughtful choices, one step at a time, and recognizing that when a community comes together—even small efforts can lead to meaningful change.
We sit down with Dr. Erica Renaud to talk about how plastic use is impacting our environment and what Santa Fe is doing about it. She breaks down the city’s long-term sustainability plan and shares simple, everyday ways you can cut back on plastic at home. With events like the Great American Cleanup, Earth Day, and Arbor Day coming up, it’s a great reminder that small actions can really add up across the community.
