Single-use plastics have become one of the biggest polluters of the Great Lakes.
A Coastal Technologist with the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation says it becomes even more common during the Christmas season.
Tineasha Brenot said if people are doing a lot of entertaining over the holidays, single-use plastics can be a very easy way to minimize the cleanup after a big meal.
"A lot of times people will reach for a plastic or a styrofoam plate and those are probably one of the worst things that you can grab in terms of single-use plastics just because they’re not recyclable and they don’t break down very quickly," said Brenot.
She suggested paper plates are a more environmentally friendly option, or simply fill the sink with soapy water and getting family or friends to help with the dishes.
Brenot said if you’re dining out, glass or reusable straws are a more environmentally-friendly option than plastic straws.