How to Participate in Plastic Free July
Are you looking to challenge yourself and go plastic free this July? Here’s some tips to help you get started.
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global campaign that started in 2011 and is supported by organizations and environmentally conscious individuals every year.
How to Participate
If you’re like most people in this world, going plastic free sounds extremely intimidating and almost impossible.
The goal of participating in Plastic Free is not to make your life more difficult, but to bring awareness to your consumption habits.
If your product happens to come in plastic packaging does that mean you failed? Absolutely not. Ultimately we aim to reduce plastic waste and pollution, and if you reduce your plastic consumption by even a little bit this month, you are making a difference.
Here’s some tips if you’re just getting started
1. Bring a Reusable cup to the coffee shop, or make your own at home
Bring a reusable cup or mug to the coffee shop! However, if you do choose to make your coffee at home, beware of the single use K-cups that are commonly used! Instead, use a traditional coffee maker that doesn’t produce any plastic waste.
2. Find plastic free alternatives when buying fruits and vegetables
Have you ever gone to the grocery store and seen unnecessary plastic packaging on produce? I know I have! For example, opt for the head of broccoli (that you can put in a reusable produce bag), instead of buying the broccoli florets in a plastic bag.
3. Bring your own shopping bags
This is my favorite one because it’s so easy! Just simply keep a couple bags in your car so you’ll be prepared every time you go on an impromptu shopping spree. Our tote bags or string bags are a great quality and affordable option for this!
4. Refuse plastic straws
Politely ask for no straw when you order drinks at restaurants or your local coffee shop. You can even carry a reusable straw on the go and use that instead!
5. Don’t use plastic water bottles
Pollution from plastic water bottles has a huge impact on animals and their habitats. Instead, use a reusable water bottle to avoid the plastic waste.
6. Buy fresh baked goods
Go visit your local bakery! Not only is the bread tastier and fresher, but it’s way more possible to get it without the plastic packaging. However if they only carry plastic bags, try bringing a bread bag as an alternative!
7. Buy your meat and fish at the deli
Another easy small change anyone can do! Buy your meats at the butcher in the grocery store rather than the refrigerated aisle. The butcher often wraps it in paper packaging rather than plastic.
8. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
You know the drill! You can even get creative and make something new out of something old. There are endless possibilities for repurposing old materials. In addition, make sure you educate yourself on the materials that you can or cannot recycle to minimize the waste you send to landfills.
We hope that these small changes in your lifestyle help inspire you to make bigger changes and continue to reflect on your consumer habits. You can find more information about Plastic Free July at www.plasticfreejuly.org .