Are you interested in ditching plastic but not sure how to begin? Committing to a zero waste lifestyle seems like an impossible task when everything we buy seems to come in plastic packaging. When we walk into the grocery store, we see shelves and shelves of plastic wrapped foodstuffs. When we order an iced coffee, it comes with a plastic cup and a plastic straw. What can we do to reduce our dependency on plastic?
Luckily, there are many ways to avoid using plastic, and Plastic Free July makes this very easy. This July, you can pledge to go plastic free and join a global community to be part of the solution to plastic waste.
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What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global initiative started in Australia by the Plastic Free Foundation. Every July, people from all around the world come together to reduce plastic pollution by changing their habits. It is a testament to the power that individuals hold when they work together to solve problems. Plastic Free July shows that big changes can start in the home.
Taking the plastic free challenge
The Plastic Free Foundation estimates that around 326 million people in 177 countries around the world have participated in the challenge to reduce plastic waste. On average, participants have reduced their household waste and recycling by 21 kilograms per person per year and most people have made long term sustainable lifestyle changes. You can read stories about the impact that other people have made here.
Plastic Free July is a great way to take your first step in reducing plastic pollution and waste. This checklist provides a list of things to avoid and tells you exactly how your actions help the impact. You could tackle all 12 items on the checklist this July or choose just 5 items that have the greatest impact on the environment. Remember, even the smallest changes add up to a big difference and are worthy of celebration.
My Challenge Choices Checklist
If you are worried that you cannot cut 100 percent of your plastic use immediately, don’t worry! This is no reason to refrain from taking the challenge. The challenge allows for flexible choices – if this is your first time participating in Plastic Free July, you can choose to just avoid single use plastic packaging for one day. If you’re a seasoned professional who is looking to do more, you can organise Plastic Free July events, or pledge to go completely plastic free forever.
Use Plastic Free July as a chance to start some good habits! Like any other good habit, it will become easier and easier to reduce plastic use. Soon, it will become second nature to take that reusable cup with you when you go on your coffee break!
Top tips to ditch plastic and switch to a zero waste lifestyle
- Bring your own… coffee cup, takeaway container, straws, cutlery, or shopping bags. If you know you’re going to be needing a coffee before you head to work, pack a reusable coffee cup. There are many options on the market that are better than single use cups in many ways. As it’s the middle of winter, an insulated thermos coffee cup may be a great choice for keeping your latte warm.
- Choose wood over plastic: there are many goods that are produced in wood rather than plastic. This includes toothbrushes, straws, or cutlery made of bamboo.
- Buy in bulk: buying in bulk is a great way to reduce plastic use. Plenty of household essentials can be bought in bulk, including detergent, tooth powder, pet food, and coffee. Not only is this better for the environment, but it is better for your wallet.
- Shop local and small: most communities have a local farmer’s market, butcher, deli, fish market, and bakery. These are preferable to large grocery stores as they generally do not pre-pack their foodstuffs, and rather, use butcher’s paper or paper bags and allow you to bring your own containers. This has the added benefit of supporting small local businesses.
- Switch from cling wrap: Because they are lightweight, cling wrap is often blown away and can end up in our waterways. Luckily, there are so many alternatives to cling wrap which are easily available. Food can be wrapped with paper, cloth, wax wraps, or silicone. Alternatively, they can simply be stored in containers.
FAQs
What is the benefit of ditching plastic for one day?
If you are not ready to commit to a zero waste lifestyle immediately, you could start by ditching plastic for just one day. This is still a beneficial and impactful challenge as it can help you to realise how much plastic you go through on a daily basis. Your consumption of single use plastics is probably higher than you think! Spending just one day looking out for your plastic consumption will make you aware of the sustainability choices that you make every day, and contribute to the development of healthier habits.
I already live a zero waste lifestyle and want to do more. What can I do for Plastic Free July?
First of all, congratulations! There are many things that you can do besides ditching plastics this Plastic Free July. Plastic Free July provides helpful tips on how to instigate change in local communities. These include running events and park clean ups as well as talking with your local government. Encouraging your family, friends, and co-workers to participate in Plastic Free July is another powerful way to contribute to the cause. Engaging your peers can be as simple as adding the image below to your email signature.
