plastic free july- a month of sustainable swaps

PLASTIC FREE JULY- A MONTH OF PLASTIC FREE, SUSTAINABLE SWAPS

Plastic Free July is a month-long global challenge encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce their use of single-use plastics. Since its start in 2011, the initiative has grown into a worldwide movement, with millions of participants working to tackle plastic pollution. The campaign focuses on small, practical steps—like swapping out disposable plastic items for reusable alternatives—to make lasting, impactful changes in daily life. Here are 31 easy swaps (one for each day of the month)for reference

1. Plastic water bottles → Reusable stainless steel or glass water bottles.

2. Plastic shopping bags → Reusable cloth tote bags.

3. Plastic straws → Reusable stainless steel, glass, or bamboo straws.

4. Plastic wrap → Beeswax wraps

5. Plastic sandwich bags → Reusable snack bags.

6. Plastic toothbrushes → Bamboo toothbrushes.

7. Plastic razors → Stainless steel safety razors.

8. Plastic cutlery → Reusable metal or bamboo cutlery.

9. Plastic produce bags → Mesh or cotton reusable produce bags.

10. Plastic Tupperware → Glass or stainless steel food storage containers.

11. Disposable coffee cups → Reusable travel mugs.

12. Plastic sponges → Swedish dishcloths.

13. Plastic food storage lids → Silicone stretch lids or fabric bowl covers.

14. Single-use plastic utensils at restaurants → Bring your own reusable eco cutlery set.

15. Plastic freezer bags → Reusable silicone or fabric freezer bags.

16. Plastic shower loofahs → Natural sea sponges or sisal soap bags.

17. Plastic tampon applicators → Organic tampons with cardboard applicators or menstrual cups.

18. Plastic combs or brushes → Wooden or bamboo hairbrushes.

19. metallic, glittery, or shiny wrapping paper → fabric gift wrap

20. Plastic floss containers → Refillable stainless steel floss dispensers.

21. Plastic dish scrubbers → Compostable dish brushes or coconut fiber scrubbers.

22. Plastic pet waste bags → Compostable pet waste bags.

23. single use dryer sheets → Reusable wool dryer balls.

24. Plastic soap bottles → Bar soap or refillable soap dispensers.

25. Plastic laundry detergent jugs → Laundry detergent strips or powder in cardboard boxes.

26. Plastic food takeaway containers → Bring your own reusable food container.

27. Plastic phone cases → Compostable or wooden phone cases.

28. Plastic tea bags → Loose-leaf tea with a metal tea strainer.

29. Plastic mailing envelopes → Recyclable or compostable paper mailers.

30. Plastic cleaning spray bottles → Refillable glass bottles with concentrate tabs.

31. Plastic lighters → Refillable metal lighters or matches.