"We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly." – Anne Marie Bonneau
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July first began back in 2011 with the vision of seeing a world free of plastic waste.
The brains behind Plastic Free July is the Plastic Free Foundation, founded by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz which started as a small team in local government in Western Australia, and is now one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world!
The aim of Plastic Free July is to raise awareness about the problem of plastic waste in our society and to help everyone to realise that small changes can add up to a big impact.
Why is Plastic Free July Important?
Petroleum-based, especially single-use plastic is bad news all round. You could really write a dozen essays on the myriad of reasons that plastic is wreaking havoc, not only on our environment but also on our health, but for the sake of time (and both of our mental wellbeing!) I'll sum up some of the most problematic aspects of plastic.
Plastic is resource intensive to produce - the production of plastic requires non-renewable fossil-fuels and copious amounts of water.
Plastic doesn't degrade - unlike organic material or even paper and cardboard which at varying rates break down to become part of the soil, plastic is never really goes away. In fact it becomes increasingly dangerous as it fragments into tiny micro-particles within the soil and waterways which are then consumed by animals - and us!
Find a solution for managing microplastic waste in your laundry here.
Chemicals found in plastics can be damaging to your health - phthalates and BPA found in plastic have been implicated in health concerns, including hormone disruption.
Even plastic which is recyclable is not often not and many plastics, including problematic mixed materials cannot be recycled - all of these items end up in landfill, in the environment and in waterways.
Plastic Free July helps to bring our attention to these issues and to connect us with manageable solutions that we can apply to our everyday lives, no matter where we are on our journey.
How to do Plastic Free July
There are so many ways that you can "celebrate" Plastic Free July and a great way to start is by signing up to the Plastic Free Challenge where you can nominate an action like avoiding single-use plastic packaging, focus on specific take-away items or go completely plastic free for a nominated time from 1 day through to the rest of your life! You will also receive tips to help you in a weekly email.
If you would like to get started in moving away from plastic right away, here are some tips to get you inspired:
Plastic Free July at Home
Replace pads and tampons with zero-waste alternatives such as period undies, reusable pads or menstrual cups. Check out Modi-Bodi , Ecopads Australia and JuJu Menstrual Cups
Switch to more eco-friendly dental hygiene - bamboo toothbrushes and other personal care items from Brush it On come with an added bonus: 100% of profits go to organisations that protect the world’s oceans, forests, and wildlife.
If you're hosting a party, consider eco-friendly and plastic free alternatives to traditional decorations such as balloons and glitter. Amy French has some wonderful ideas for sustainable party decoration swaps in The Good Life blog.
Do a bathroom audit and see where you could be using plastic free products such as safety razors instead of disposables, bar soap instead of liquid soap and shampoo and conditioner bottles which you can refill at bulk stores.
Leave the plastic wrap on the supermarket shelf and use beeswax wraps (these are our favourites from Bee Nature ) , silicone covers and washable containers (preferably glass) to store food.
Stop plastic-based synthetic textiles from ending up in landfill by using our apparel recycling program to give your unwanted clothing, hosiery and linens a new life.
Stop harmful micro-plastics from entering waterways by washing your synthetics in the Guppyfriend Washbag - it's micro-filtering technology catches micro-fibres but also lessens the shedding of fibres, keeping the water free of plastic particles and also making your clothes last longer to prevent future waste.
Plastic Free July Out and About
Save your glass jars and bring them to your local bulk store to avoid packaging on a large range of dry goods, cleaning products and personal care products.
Say "no" to prepackaged produce and use cotton or paper bags or skip the bagging all together.
Don't forget your re-usable bags whenever you're shopping - have a variety of bags that you can keep a stash of in the car, folded in your handbag and at your desk.
Choose a reusable mask to stay COVID safe rather than disposable ones which are fast becoming the new plastic straws of the 2020s. This comfortable double-layered mask from Swedish Stockings is not only breathable and washable, but made from 78% recycled polyamides.
Avoid unrecyclable plastic straws by going straw-less or carrying your own reusable stainless steel straw.
Stop harmful micro-plastics from entering waterways by washing your synthetics in the Guppyfriend Washbag - it's micro-filtering technology catches micro-fibres but also lessens the shedding of fibres, keeping the water free of plastic particles and also making your clothes last longer to prevent future waste.
Plastic Free July at Work
Ditch your disposable take-away coffee cup habit by treating yourself to a reusable cup that you love - one that you're sure to remember to bring with you! Australian small biz brand My Order Cup does a wonderfully unique take on personalised travel cups that state your favourite order so you never have to worry about your order going astray!
Audit your workplace's waste management procedures - make sure that everything that can be recycled is being recycled and that it is being sorted correctly.
Have a look at where your company sources there supplies - perhaps there are plastic-free and more sustainable products available or perhaps they can be purchased without so much plastic packaging.
Where to Shop Plastic Free
There are more and more online stores and marketplaces specialising in eco-friendly brands and products these days, making it easier than ever to start some plastic free living this Plastic Free July. Here are a handful of destinations you might like to check out:
Are you participating in Plastic Free July this year? Tell us what you're doing in the comments below...
