Embracing Plastic-Free July: 10 Tips for Reducing Your Plastic Dependence
Getting onboard with Plastic-Free July is a fantastic idea because it encourages individuals and businesses to take steps towards reducing their plastic consumption and environmental impact. By participating, you’ll not only raise awareness about the pervasive issue of plastic pollution but also actively contribute to solutions.
Choosing to reduce single-use plastics promotes sustainable habits that can lead to long-term benefits for our planet. Small changes in daily habits can collectively make a significant difference in preserving our oceans, wildlife, and overall ecosystem health. So, follow these tips to join the Plastic-Free July challenge and embark on a more sustainable future.
When implementing sustainable changes, start small
Begin with manageable steps. Take note of the disposable plastic that’s filtering through your everyday life and identify those that can be easily eliminated or switched out for eco alternatives.
Editor’s tips:
- Refuse plastic straws; choose stainless steel or silicone options for your homemade smoothies
- Switch to reusable shopping bags; keep a few cotton totes in the car to avoid picking up more paper or plastic bags when you shop
Shop mindfully to avoid unnecessary packaging
Seek out your local refillery, grocer or bulk store where items can be purchased without packaging or with your own reusable containers.
Editor’s tip: When grocery shopping make sure you include cotton string bags for fruit and vege, and calico drawstring bags for dried fruit, nuts, seeds and small goods. Reusable bags are available in lots of sizes and formats!
Choose reusable options over anything single-use
Use reusable water bottles, coffee cups, utensils, and food containers whenever possible.
Editor’s picks:
- Australian designed Frank Green reusable bottles are practical but super stylish
- Buy a travel cutlery set that you love from Ela & Earth
- Invest in a reusable Keep Cup made from local, recycled and recovered materials
Have a go at making DIY solutions
A quick internet scan will reveal loads DIY recipes for products like toothpaste, cleaning supplies, and beauty products to reduce reliance on plastic-packaged goods.
Editor’s tip: Lean how to make DIY household cleaner on Australia’s Best Recipes
Say no to single-use plastics
Somethings you can simply live without. Advocate for refusing single-use plastics such as straws, plastic packaging around fresh produce, and wet wipes.
Editor’s tip: Swap out your micro-plastic leeching cleaning cloths for Ecopack Multi-Purpose Bamboo Cleaning Cloths
Spread awareness
Encourage your friends and family to choose sustainable solutions too! Individually we are a drop, together we are an ocean.
Support local
Find out when and where your local Farmer’s Market is. If there isn’t on in a town near you, support local businesses and initiatives that offer plastic-free alternatives or participate in recycling programs.
Editor’s tip: There are 190 markets listed on the Australian Farmers Market Association website
Be mindful of material composition
Synthetic fibers shed microplastics, so when you’re buying clothing or reusable tote bags opt for natural fibers like organic cotton.
Editor’s picks: Ecopack’s Fairtrade Orgnaic Calico Cotton Tote Bag is not only functional but ethical too.
Join the movement
Join Plastic Free July challenges and share your experiences on social media to inspire others. Visit plasticfreejuly.org for inspiration, information, resources and to donate.
Celebrate your sustainability successes
Please share your successes and milestones in reducing plastic waste. Together we can learn, and be motivated, to find alternatives and live a little more lightly. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook – and feel free to comment and share your ideas too!
We hope you’re able to incorporate these tips to make positive changes in reducing your plastic consumption throughout July and beyond. Here’s to a greener future!