The best time to start Plastic Free July was on July 1, but the second best time is today. Become aware of the plastic you use everyday all year! Plastic Free July is a world wide movement to become aware of the amount of plastic we use in our lives. It is about finding alternatives to the tons of plastic the world uses everyday. We are filling our bodies, our oceans, rivers and land with plastic. Plastic that will survive hundreds of years. Reducing our single-use consumption can make a big difference.
Reuse and Refuse plastic!
So what are single use plastics? Single-use plastics are items meant to be trashed after use. Single-use plastics are used for packaging and items such as bottles, wrappers, straws, and bags.
Survey your garbage, what plastic does it contain? Can you recycle any of it? What does it tell you about your choices and purchases? What plastic items do you think you could do without? Is there someway you can have less plastic garbage?
Don’t try to go plastic free to start, it’s close to impossible in the world we are living, but awareness and one item at a time is success!
“Please, No straw!”
What is one plastic item you can give up? Baggies? Produce bags? Bottled water? Plastic straws? Plastic utensils? Styrofoam? For the next two weeks, don’t purchase or use that item. Hopefully, you can live without that product, and then choose another plastic item you can also end using. Keep it simple, don’t try to do too much. Simple steps will lead to more success and less frustration. There is nothing easy reducing plastic in our plastic world. Good luck as you begin a new journey of more sustainable and healthy living.
Reusable cloth produce bags
Ask me if you need help, I have been on this plastic free journey for years, and constantly learn new ways to reduce plastic. It is rewarding to know you have lightened your plastic footprint. Good luck!
Model a new way forward: “When we use disposable items, we send a message: this is what we want, keep it up, make more of this. When we refuse, and choose reusable, we model another way forward. Our choices can make a difference. Let’s make them count!” PlasticfreeTuesday
Many ideas to reduce plastic use:
How to Get Rid of Throwaway Culture – YES! Magazine (yesmagazine.org)
Getting started – Plastic Free JulyGetting started – Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Solution
New Zealand to Ban Most Single-Use Plastics by 2025 – EcoWatch
Here’s What Happens When You Eat From Plastic Containers – EcoWatch
The Story of Plastic (animated short) – Story of Stuff
Seven ways to go plastic free for Plastic Free July – Greenpeace Aotearoa
Norwex Movement 10 ways to be plastic-free
Health4earth 