PLASTIC FREE JULY + A MONTH OF SUSTAINABLE SWAPS
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, households, and businesses to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics for the month of July—and ideally beyond. Started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, the initiative aims to raise awareness about plastic pollution and inspire people to adopt more sustainable habits. THEY HAVE 3 MAIN GOALS
Reduce Plastic Waste:
Avoid single-use plastics like straws, bags, bottles, and packaging.
Replace disposable items with reusable alternatives.
Create Awareness:
Educate people about the environmental impact of plastic pollution. For instance, 91% of plastic waste is not recycled, often ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean.
Encourage Lasting Change:
Challenge participants to form habits that extend beyond July, helping to reduce plastic use year-round.
The movement has grown from a small grassroots campaign to a global effort. In 2023, an estimated 140 million people across 190 countries participated. Surveys show that 86% of participants made permanent lifestyle changes, contributing to a significant reduction in plastic waste worldwide.
Plastic Free July is more than just a challenge—it's an opportunity to rethink our consumption habits, protect the planet, and inspire collective action for a sustainable future.
IF YOU ARE SO INCLINED, HERE ARE 31 PLASTIC FREE SWAPS (ONE FOR EVERY DAY OF THE MONTH)
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.
