Plastic pollution is a big problem, but its one that we can tackle if we all work together. Plastic-Free July is a global initiative inviting everyone to reduce their plastic usage throughout the month of July and beyond. By making small changes in our daily routines, we can make a big difference for our planet! But we all need to work together. In this blog, we'll explore ten easy swaps that anyone can adopt to reduce their plastic footprint (or even go zero waste) this Plastic-Free July, and make room for sustainable living!
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups:
Say goodbye to single-use plastic bottles and coffee cups! Switch to reusable alternatives like stainless steel or glass water bottles and travel mugs. Not only will you reduce waste, but you'll also keep your drinks at the perfect temperature for longer!
Cloth Shopping Bags:
Ditch those pesky plastic bags and opt for reusable cloth bags when you go shopping. They're super handy, easy to carry, and they'll save countless plastic bags from ending up in landfills or oceans!
Beeswax Wraps:
Forget about plastic cling wraps that are hard to recycle. Instead, try beeswax wraps! They're made from cotton cloth coated in beeswax, and they're perfect for wrapping leftovers and sandwiches. These wraps are reusable, easy to clean, and can last up to a year, saving loads of plastic waste from disposable wraps. Check out these wraps from our friends at Goldilocks!
Bamboo Toothbrushes:
Did you know that billions of plastic toothbrushes end up in landfills every year? Switch to a bamboo toothbrush for a friendly alternative. Bamboo toothbrushes have biodegradable handles and replaceable brush heads, so you can keep your smile bright while reducing plastic waste.
Bar Soap and Shampoo:
Say goodbye to plastic bottles of soap and shampoo! Try switching to solid bars instead. They often come with minimal or no packaging, and they're usually made with gentle, natural ingredients that are kind to your skin and hair. Plus, you'll generate less waste and make a positive impact on the environment.
Stainless Steel Straws:
Plastic straws are a very widely used single-use plastic that often end up in the ocean. To easily reduce your waste, you can carry a set of stainless steel straws with you wherever you go. They're sturdy, easy to clean, and you can use them over and over again. By using stainless steel straws, you'll be helping to reduce the billions of plastic straws that harm our environment each year.
Glass Food Containers:
Say no to disposable plastic food containers and hello to zero waste glass containers with lids! They're perfect for storing leftovers and packing lunches. Glass containers are eco-friendly, safe for reheating food, and eliminate the need for disposable containers. By making this simple swap, you'll reduce plastic waste and contribute to a greener world.
Refillable Cleaning Products:
Many cleaning products come in plastic bottles that end up in landfills. Look for refillable alternatives or consider making your own zero waste cleaning solutions. Some companies offer refillable containers that reduce plastic waste without compromising effectiveness. You can even create your own cleaning products using natural ingredients, minimizing plastic packaging and harmful chemicals. Check out our favorites from Blueland here!
Bulk Shopping:
Buying in bulk is not only cost-effective but also helps to reduce packaging waste. Look for stores with bulk bins for grains, nuts, spices, and cleaning products. Bring your own reusable containers and bags, and fill them up with just the right amount of each item. By choosing bulk shopping, you'll cut down on single-use plastic packaging and embrace a more sustainable way of shopping!
Eco-Friendly Personal Care Products:
Upgrade your personal care routine with eco-friendly alternatives. Swap out plastic-packaged toothpaste, dental floss, and deodorant for options that are kinder to the planet. Try toothpaste tablets or powders, silk floss, and deodorant in compostable or reusable packaging. These small changes can make a big impact in reducing plastic waste!
Bonus: Choose Products with Eco-Friendly Packaging
Choosing products that have zero or low waste packaging is one great way that we can choose to do better for our planet. Herbaland’s health and wellness gummies are sold in 100% compostable packaging, making our vitamins good for you and the planet!
Plastic-Free July empowers us to make sustainable, low waste living choices that benefit both our lives and the environment. By adopting these ten simple swaps, we can actively contribute to a healthier and happier planet. Remember, it's the little choices we make as individuals that add up to significant change! By choosing reusable, eco-friendly, alternatives, we can collectively reduce plastic waste, conserve resources, and protect our beautiful world. Let's embrace Plastic-Free July as an opportunity to make a positive difference and inspire others to join us on this journey towards a plastic-free future!