Reduce First
Reduce First is a movement to help Coloradans break free from plastic. Through everyday actions to avoid plastics, supporting local businesses that are advancing plastic reduction efforts via the Plastic-Free Colorado Collective, and pushing back on the entities responsible for perpetuating plastic pollution, Reduce First aims to disrupt the standard of plastic living that has become the norm.
Ready to take action? Share with us how you #ReduceFirst! Tag @PlasticFreeColorado on instagram and use the tags #plasticfreecolorado & #reducefirst!
Recycling isn’t a Catch All Solution:
Recycling is often presented as the answer to plastic waste, but in reality, it’s a deeply flawed system. Despite widespread labeling that suggests recyclability, many plastics cannot be effectively recycled and end up in landfills or the environment. Most plastics are “forever trash” because plastics don't biodegrade and remain in ecosystems indefinitely, contributing to long-term pollution.
Reducing Plastics Protects Human & Environmental Health
Plastic isn’t just a waste problem, it’s a health crisis. Growing research shows that exposure to plastic chemicals can have serious consequences for both human and environmental health. From microplastics in our bodies to toxins in soil and water, the impacts are far-reaching and deeply concerning.
Reducing Plastics is Climate Action
Plastics are derived from fossil fuels, making their production a major contributor to climate change. At a time when global plastic production is increasing, this trend directly undermines efforts to combat the climate crisis. Now more than ever, reducing plastic use must be part of the climate action conversation.
Support Local Businesses Leading the Way
While major corporations have the resources to eliminate plastic packaging, many have yet to take meaningful action. In contrast, small businesses across Colorado are stepping up. Members of the Plastic-Free Colorado Collective are actively redefining what it means to live sustainably by integrating plastic-reduction strategies into their operations.
Small Acts, Big Impacts, New Norm
Every choice to reduce plastic counts. Small, everyday actions help shift habits and build a culture around low waste, circular systems. When we choose to reduce first, we challenge the norm of plastic dependency and create lasting change, one step at a time.