Plastic-Free July is a global challenge that millions of people undertake to reduce their plastic usage. We all know the power of social media challenges and movements, and if you’re reading this, you want to be part of this campaign too! To get started, head on over to www.plasticfreejuly.org to sign up for the challenge.
Although I debated with myself on whether or not I should take the challenge (I know I can’t be completely plastic-free), I decided to go for it! “Strive for progress, not perfection,” I keep repeating to myself.
Are you with me? Here are 12 simple tips that can help you have a successful plastic-free July.
1. Analyze your lifestyle.
First of all, take a look at your own life. Where do you use plastic? What’s a realistic goal for you? If you work in the corporate world and are on-the-go all day, your plastic-free plan will look significantly different than if you’re a stay at home parent. Focus on the highest plastic offenders in your personal life, and put your attention towards those.
2. Refuse the top 4 culprits.
On Plastic Free July’s website, one of the options for the challenge is to focus on refusing water bottles, plastic bags, straws and coffee cups. If you’re new to the plastic-free movement, this is a great place to start! Once you start refusing these 4, it will open your eyes on how to avoid plastic in other ways too.
3. Try making something new.
Even if you’re not comfortable in the kitchen, choose one or two items to make from scratch (some ideas for you here). You’d be surprised how easy it is to make your own tortillas or throw a few ingredients into the blender for vegan butter.
4. Buy in bulk.
Even if you don’t have access to a bulk food store, buying in bulk helps reduce the amount of plastic packaging coming into your home. Choose that big bag of rice over its smaller counterpart.
5. Plan out your meals.
I’m a huge advocate of meal planning for lots of reasons–whether it’s to avoid plastic, reduce food waste, or save some money each week. For Plastic-Free July, it’s important to plan out your meals so you don’t get frustrated once you’re in the store. Do a quick Google search for “zero waste meals” for some inspiration. If you’re like me and live in a plastic-heavy country, this will definitely prove itself to be more of a challenge for you.
7. Stop snacking!
Okay, maybe a little extreme. You don’t have to give up snacks altogether, but refuse the individually wrapped snacks. A block of cheese is better than the individual string cheese strips. A big bag of chips is better than individual snack packs. Be smart about your buying choices.
6. Skip packaged produce.
Bring your own reusable produce bags or just let those apples roll around freely in your cart. You’re going to wash them anyways, right?
8. Switch to a bamboo toothbrush.
Don’t make the switch until your current toothbrush is all used up, but try a bamboo toothbrush for your next dental choice. It’s one of the easiest swaps you can make and you can compost the handle once it’s worn out!
9. Skip the makeup.
Even going a few days a week with no makeup makes a big difference in how much plastic packaging is used. The beauty industry has a toxic love affair with plastic and you know the best way to combat it? Skip it altogether.
Of course, if going nude isn’t your cup of tea, here’s a list of 10 zero waste makeup brands.
10. Switch to shampoo, conditioner and soap bars.
This is such an easy change to make! Using shampoo and conditioner bars is a piece of cake and they’re now available in many major stores around the world! Ethique and Lush are top brands to look for. Switch to a block of soap for washing your dishes too–I love my bar from Bestowed Essentials.
11. Google it!
When in doubt, just google it! Plastic free makeup, plastic free meal plans, plastic free bathroom–you name it! Wherever you want to focus your attention, there is a wealth of information and resources at your fingertips.
12. Keep it positive.
Don’t put yourself down over the plastic you still accumulate this month! Instead, pat yourself on the back for the areas you are able to reduce plastic in. Plastic-Free July is about spreading awareness and empowering you to be part of the solution.
There are so many eco-friendly steps we can take towards creating a sustainable future. Set a realistic goal for yourself, spread the word, use the zero waste/plastic free online community for support and Happy Plastic-Free July!
You got this.
