12 Achievable Changes to Jump-Start Your Plastic-Free July
Everything you need to know about plastic-free July and how to get started.
Plastic is one of the greatest inventions of all time. With endless uses - it’s built to be durable and last forever. So if it’s built to last forever, why would we use it once and throw it away?
Giving up plastic altogether is impossible in the world we live in today. We are surrounded by plastic, from brushing our teeth to packing our lunches to that midday to-go coffee, and take-out dinner with friends. Single-use plastic is engrained in our daily routine. Of all plastic used, it seems that 50% is single-use. And it isn’t easy to recycle these single-use items so majority of it ends up in landfills.
The point of plastic-free July is not to “win” - it’s not a competition. It’s a challenge - a challenge to help us all become more aware of just how much plastic we are using on a daily (and monthly) basis.
If it feels impossible to quit plastic and you are just getting started - this blog is for you.
Here are a few tips to not getting overwhelmed as you start your Plastic-Free July.
Start slow - focus on one area that you want to cut down on plastic use. Maybe it’s just the kitchen or your dental routine. Perhaps it’s a plastic-free haircare. Zero in on one area and try to remove as much plastic as possible. (Of course, always use what you have first)
Don’t be so hard on yourself. We are all working towards a bigger goal - a healthier planet. Don’t try to be perfect - try to be imperfectly sustainable. Collectively being imperfect is where we will see change.
Learn as you go. When it comes to living a sustainable and plastic-free lifestyle there is so much to learn. Use this plastic-free challenge as an opportunity to observe your current habits and see where you can implement a change.
Use the buddy system - everything is easier with an accountability partner. Find someone - a friend, parent, or partner who wants to use less plastic too. Check-in with each other regularly. Choose activities that don’t require single-use plastic to do together.
Here are 12 tangible ways to participate in plastic-free July and not feel overwhelmed.
For Your Morning Caffeine Fix - bring a cup or mug from home! Leaving the house for a morning appointment or hoping to stop for coffee on your way to work? Make a to-go coffee cup a part of your morning routine. Lunch, water bottle, laptop, charger, - Coffee cup! Try keeping a clean to-go cup in your car or placing it beside your keys so you can grab it on your way out the door.
When You are at the Grocery Store - We all have reusable grocery bags these days. What if for the month of July you committed to using your reusable bags on every grocery trip? Already do that? Let’s take it up a notch - we don’t need to bag our produce. Did that just blow your mind? Not every piece of produce needs to go into a dinky plastic bag. If you feel strongly about this - invest in some mesh reusable bags, otherwise, just be sure to wash your produce well when you get home.
Ask Yourself - do I need the straw? Straws are not necessary all the time. Most drinks can be drunk without one. Let’s really start questioning how necessary it is to use a plastic straw.
Refill your water bottle. It’s 2024 everyone has an emotional support water bottle, right? It’s time to use it for what it’s made for. Take your favorite water bottle with you everywhere you go. Water refill stations are becoming more common, so start looking for them in your community.
On a Trip to the bakery - how are you going to store your baked goods? Instead of getting a paper box or plastic bag to transport them home and throw it out, take out the middleman. Bring your Tupperware from home to keep your pastries fresh and delicious.
For your weekly laundry routine. Next time you run out of laundry detergent, swap to a plastic-free option. You could find a local refillery to get your detergent from (cough, cough, LiteFoot) and bring your bottle from home to refill. Or opt for buying laundry powder in bulk.
When shopping for new clothes. A lot of our clothing contains plastic. When shopping for a new outfit, consider natural and organic fibers. These types of clothing are better for the environment and your body.
Keep those pearly whites shining. There is such a thing as a sustainable dental routine. Invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush instead of swapping out your plastic one monthly. Or next time you switch, choose a bamboo toothbrush instead. Did you know that toothpaste tablets exist? Instead of those frustrating plastic tubes that you can never get the last drop out of - how about a simple tablet you crush in your teeth and it starts to clean on brushing? Easy and hassle-free. Plus available at your local refillery!
This one is for the ladies - sanitary needs. Tampons and pads are filled with plastic. And similar to other single-use plastics, they have a “one and done” life span. There are some new and improved products on the market that will change your period routine forever. Period underwear. Absorbent and comfortable, plus machine washable and plastic-free! Or you could try a reusable menstrual disc. Periods are personal - you have plenty of options these days that don’t include plastic.
When you are putting away your leftovers from dinner. Single-use plastic bags are a thing of the past. Stasher bags or beeswax wraps are sustainable and work just as well (if not better) than a Ziploc.
Because we will want to give gifts to the people we love. Let’s no longer give stuff just to give. Buy thoughtful or consumable gifts. Personalize them with handwritten letters or recipes. Bake your friend their favorite yummy treat. No need to use wrapping paper and plastic bows.
Buy in bulk. Such a simple concept but sometimes we forget that if we buy items in bulk, we are creating less waste. When it comes to items you will always need or use - it doesn’t hurt to buy in bulk. Items like rice, cereal, oats, flour, and other dry goods are perfect to buy in bulk because they last!
Grab on to one or two (or three if you are feeling crazy) of these plastic-free habits. Use the month of July to practice implementing these new ways of living. Craft it into a habit. Remember we are trying to be imperfectly sustainable. Small steps to make a big change!
