Go plastic free this July – and every other day of the year

Plastic Free July. You may have heard of it? It’s a huge global movement that helps millions of people and businesses give up plastic during the month of July to help address and take action against plastic pollution.

However, Plastic Free July shouldn’t be thought of just in July – it should be part of each day of the year, so we can help protect the planet in any way that we as individuals can.

So, here are 4 hacks to reduce your plastic waste

1. Say goodbye to disposables and hello to reusables  

Plastic provides convenience for just minutes, but its impacts can be felt for lifetimes. 

Here’s a checklist of our must-have reusables to get you through Plastic Free July – and every other day of the year.

• Reusable straws like bamboo straws
• Masons jars and a good old kitchen mug are great for takeaway smoothies and coffees! 
• Produce bags - can be used for fruit, vegetables or your staples 
• Tote bag or reusable shopping bags - take these with you everywhere so you’re prepared for any impromptu purchases 
• Reusable water bottle
• Beeswax or silicon ziplock bags to store leftovers 
• Reusable cloth napkins
• Reusable utensil set - bamboo or just pack some from home!

2. Buy non-packaged foods 

Avoiding plastic in supermarkets is challenging. Most fruit, vegetables and staples are wrapped in plastic. That's why shopping at bulk food stores or markets is a great alternative, where you can use your own bags, jars and tupperware.

At the supermarket, bag up your own beans, tomatoes and all the rest rather than grabbing the plastic packaged ones.

3. Switch up your personal care routine

Whether you realise it or not, many of your personal care items are not recyclable. They end up sitting in landfills for hundreds, if not thousands of years.

Try out a bamboo toothbrush, instead of a plastic toothbrush. Or, test a plastic-free period and use a reusable menstrual cup. Shampoo bars, soap bars and safety razors are all easy, affordable plastic-free swaps. 

4. Meet your cleaning BFF, vinegar 

It’s surprising the wonders white vinegar can do at home. From polishing your silverware to disinfecting kitchen surfaces to mopping your floors, it’s a natural power product for cleaning.

Tastes good on your chippies too!

Remind me… why is plastic so bad?

Plastic doesn’t disappear 

It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, which are often consumed by our wildlife. 

Plastic harms our environment

In Australia alone, it's estimated that 130,000 tonnes of plastic ends up in waterways and oceans each year. Our marine life is swallowing more plastic than ever before.

Plastic contributes to climate change

Plastic is made from fossil fuels. According to National Geographic, worldwide, only 9% of plastic is recycled. All the plastic that ends up burned or sent to our landfills releases methane gases, contributing to climate change.

You might not have realised has bad plastic truly is huh? So think about the simple changes to your daily habits and decisions you can take today to help  make our planet a better place for our future generations.

This article was written in collaboration with our friends at theotherstraw.