Plastic-Free July

This global movement has gained so much ground since it first started. It is an effort for everyone to be a part of the “solution to plastic pollution”. The concept is pretty simple yet has a powerful impact. The goal is not to use any single-use plastic containers during the month of July. Do you think you can do it? Well, there is a challenge if you think you can!

The plastic-free July challenge is just one way to help your environment and participate in a global effort. This challenge has spread across the world and has inspired over 326 million people in approximately 177 countries. So when you think of the idea, which is to not use any single-use plastics in one month and you think that you’re not making a difference, think again! Just look at how many people and how many countries are participating. When one person does it these numbers grow! You DO matter!

The reason plastic is a target for people to cut down is that it is very difficult to recycle and takes a significant amount of time to degrade. Because of this, cutting the amount of plastic we use each day is better for the Earth and our way of life.

Plastic is used in so many things. Everywhere you look, there’s plastic. It started being used in society around 1907. And since then, it has become a preferred material. No matter where you look, something pops up: plastic bags, plastic containers for food such as frozen foods and take out, water bottles, DVD and game cases, fans, TVs, lamps, you name it. Just look around your house and you’ll find a large portion of the things in it are plastic.

Plastic-free July focuses on “one-time-use” products. Simple swaps, like reusable water bottles, straws, and takeout containers, can have a scalable impact.

What does plastic-free July mean for you? It might mean bringing a reusable bag or requesting paper bags at your grocery store instead of using plastic. Or, you might start using a reusable travel cup instead of buying water bottles or buying drinks with disposable straws. There’s no right or wrong way to do Plastic-Free July, the main point is to recognize the amount you are using and look for creative ways to limit it.

Parents who have babies at home might try using cloth diapers for a month and using a washcloth to wipe them instead of baby wipes and disposable diapers. When packing lunches, try using multi-use plastic containers for your sandwiches and chips, instead of baggies. Instead of buying six-packs of your favorite soda pop or beer that have that annoying plastic holder, try buying a 12 pack because cardboard is biodegradable whereas plastic is not. If there’s an option to buy in aluminium instead of plastic, try it, and then put the aluminium in your recycling.

Want to get involved? Take a chance and try just one of these things each day. Share the challenge with your friends and family, and, together, let’s work to make the world a little less “trashy”.

Curious about more ways to reduce your waste and live more sustainably? Check out my website, trashtotreasuremindset.com, for more information!