Originating in Western Australia, Plastic Free July is now a worldwide initiative where over 2 million people and 159 countries participate. The challenge? To go the whole month of July without single-use plastics. That's no takeaway coffee cups, straws, containers or plastic packaging from the supermarket. They say it takes 30 days to develop a habit and the aim of Plastic Free July is to show how easy it can be — all it takes is a little getting used to before it becomes second nature.
So how do you do Plastic Free July? Here's a few helpful tips, in order of easiest to hardest to make it a breeze...
- Say no to straws — they're kind of superfluous if you think about it. If you really need one, bring a bamboo or metal one with you.
- Say no to cups and bring your own instead — keep it in your car or bag at all times.
- And no to plastic produce bags!! Use mushroom bags for produce at the supermarket. Better yet, take one of these re-usable ones.
- And cling wrap!! Put a plate instead of cling-wrap on top of your food, or store in re-usable glass containers instead.
- When doing groceries, shop at bulk food stores where possible and choose fruit and veg that isn't wrapped in plastic.
- Always keep baskets or cotton bags in your car to carry things in.
- Dine in where possible, or bring a stainless lunchbox with you instead! It might feel weird to ask in the beginning, but it'll become normal in time, we promise.
- Bring a re-usable water bottle everywhere you go. Plastic bottles are the worst!
And that's a wrap kids — we hope it helped! Please comment with any questions and for more inspiration check out more on our Zero Plastic blog.
