Plastic Free July: A Guide to Reducing Plastic Use in Everyday Life

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals and businesses to minimise their plastic consumption - and obviously, we're very onboard.

By making simple changes in our daily routines, we can collectively make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment.

Last year, an estimated 140 million people took part in Plastic Free July. Join them this year and make a difference!

Keep reading below for practical tips and lists for reducing plastic use in various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, while on the go, and for businesses.

Plastic-Free at Home:

• Use reusable shopping bags for your groceries and produce.
• Switch to reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers.
• Choose fresh, loose produce without plastic packaging.
• Replace single-use plastic food wrap with beeswax wraps or reusable containers.
• Swap plastic toothbrushes with bamboo or compostable alternatives.
• Choose solid beauty and personal care products instead of plastic-packaged ones.
• Refill your household cleaning and personal products to reuse your plastic bottles.

Plastic-Free at School:

• Pack lunches in reusable containers and avoid single-use plastic wrappers.
• Encourage schools to provide water refill stations instead of plastic water bottles, then pack your reusable.
• Use refillable pens and highlighters instead of disposable ones. Or paper pens with recyclable ink cartridges.
• Promote digital or online resources rather than printing materials excessively.

Plastic-Free at Work:

• Encourage colleagues to bring reusable cups and utensils for office food and drinks.
• Request office supplies in bulk or choose items with minimal packaging.
• Implement paperless practices by using digital documents and reducing printing - and therefore the plastic wallets.
• Consider eco-friendly alternatives for cleaning products and bathroom supplies - promote refills!
• Participate in/organise office-wide initiatives such as recycling programs or plastic-free challenges.

Plastic-Free On-the-Go:

• Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and utensils when traveling.
• Refuse plastic straws and opt for stainless steel or plastic-free alternatives.
• Choose snacks and food items with plastic-free packaging.
• Carry a cloth bag for impromptu shopping or unexpected purchases.
• Use a reusable tote or backpack instead of disposable plastic bags.

Plastic-Free for Businesses:

• Implement sustainable packaging options and reduce unnecessary plastic packaging.
• Offer refill stations for common household or personal care products.
• Encourage employees to use reusable containers for lunches and beverages.
• Provide information and resources about reducing plastic waste to employees and customers.
• Collaborate with suppliers and partners that prioritise environmentally-friendly practices.

Plastic Free July is a great time to adopt eco-friendly habits and commit to reducing plastic waste in our daily lives.

By incorporating the tips and practices above, we can collectively make a substantial difference in improving the plastic pollution problem.

Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet.