Plastic-Free July
Plastic-Free July is a global movement that empowers people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. It’s a simple concept:
Participants are challenged to eliminate single-use plastics by eliminating one or more single-use items from their daily lives.
Plastic-free July is endorsed by
Peter the Turtle!
Why Plastic-Free July?
Shouldn’t we be doing plastic-free every day, not just in July?
Let’s face it, we rely on way more plastic than we realize. We could go all-in for a day but studies show effective habit changes take 21-days to implement. Begin this new habit in July.
During the month of July, when we’re enjoying the great outdoors, relaxing at the beach, or taking a swim in the ocean, our appreciation of nature and the environment is at its peak. What better time to highlight the ever-increasing build-up of plastic waste that douse our land and waterways?
So this July, join me in taking the Plastic-Free Challenge:
Eliminate one or more single-use plastic items this month.
You’ll see how easy it is to make that change a lasting one!
Here are some ways to make a change this Plastic-Free July (and beyond).
Click to Join the Challenge
Bring a Reusable Bag this Plastic-Free July
Make it a Plastic-Free July by remembering to take your reusable shopping bags with you. I think this is the easiest of all habits to implement.
Invest in a few reusable produce bags instead of the plastic ones in the store.
- Shopping bags and totes
- Lunch bag
- Produce Bags
What’s Wrong With Plastic Bags?
Plastic bags are an enormous plastic waste problem. They’re made from non-renewable fossil fuels, are used for a few minutes, and then tossed in the garbage or left to litter our planet forever.
Can you recycle plastic bags? Technically, yes. Realistically, no. Bags must be absolutely clean and can only be processed in recycling facilities that can handle the flimsy material.
Stop Sucking! Say No to Plastic Straws
Give a big shout out for reusable straws this Plastic-Free July!
Say no to plastic straws when you’re at a restaurant or buying a drink. It’s that simple!
If you need or want a straw, there’s a reusable alternative to suit every need. There are even convenient foldable straws that fit in your bag or purse.
What’s Wrong With Plastic Straws?
How can something so small be part of an environmental pollution crisis? Plastic straw pollution isn’t the main plastic waste culprit, but it’s a big one. The good news is that the solution to plastic straw pollution is one that you can easily be a part of.
Reusable Bottles and Mugs
This is an easy switch to make during Plastic-Free July because there are countless varieties of reusable bottles and mugs to suit every situation.
Worried about the water quality coming from your faucets? Purchase a water filter pitcher or invest in a water filter faucet. You can also get filters that mount directly on top of the faucet.
It’s a Wrap – But Not With Disposable Plastic
Plastic wrap. Do you really need it? No. There are so many reusable alternatives to choose from:
- A plate to cover leftovers
- Beeswax wraps (an easy recipe link is provided below)
- Stretch lids
- Parchment or wax paper
Reduce Your (Single-Use) Plastic Packaging
Somehow, we have allowed ourselves to think everything must be packaged. Plastic packaging seems to magically wrap itself around everything from cucumbers to broccoli. The insanity goes on and on, and we’ve come to accept it.
Most of the time we don’t need all that packaging. More importantly, this plastic packaging is made from non-renewable fuel sources. It’s used for a brief time before being thrown away or left to litter our planet. In fact, nearly 50% of the plastic waste generated is from plastic packaging, most of it, unnecessary.
So, instead of containing food in single-use receptacles:
- Use reusable alternatives such as reusable storage bags.
- Bring containers with you while shopping. Take advantage of the bulk food sections at the grocery store. Bring your reusable container or produce bag to stock up.
- Make your own on-the-go meal, and package it in reusable containers.
What Else Can You Do for Plastic-Free July
Clean Up
Start small – pick up after yourself.
Pick up plastic litter during Plastic-Free July. You don’t have to venture far to make a positive impact.
Participate in a beach clean-up or pick up litter you come across. How much litter will you find when you actively look for it?
Get Involved
Join an environmental organization and help them take action in raising awareness. Giving your time, even if it’s just an hour or two a week, can make a difference.
Become a Smart Consumer
Working together, we can help solve this plastic pollution problem. We can accomplish so much more when we work together to inspire each other in a positive, guilt-free environment.
The more of us that make a change this Plastic-Free July (and beyond), the more we can influence our friends, family, and community to make a change in their lives.
So let’s get started this July!
Click to Join the Challenge
Peter the Turtle Can’t Poop
While laughing, children will learn the importance of friendship, healthy eating, and putting litter in a bin.
Other Posts to help with Plastic-Free July
Here are some other posts about making positive changes for our environment.
3 Easy Ways to Help Save the Earth
