In February of 2017, my journey into zero waste and a life without plastic began. It all started with a simple scroll through my Facebook feed.
A colleague sent me a 5-minute Buzzfeed video. It showed someone attempting a zero-waste lifestyle for a month. As an environmental professional, the title grabbed my attention, so I clicked play.
That video, without exaggeration, revolutionized my existence.
Helpful Plastic-Free July Links, In A Nutshell…
Suddenly, I was obsessed with finding eco-amiable habits. I started carrying a metal fork wrapped in a cloth napkin. I even remembered to ask for no straw with my morning coffee. I was determined to make a difference.
Consequently, I absorbed every piece of information I could find.
Everything felt fresh and exciting, and I eagerly sought knowledge.
During this era of deep learning, I encountered “Plastic Free July.” Beth Terry’s book,Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too,introduced me to this concept.
Suddenly, it all made sense.
I instantly recognized the unique value of this project. Its realistic and straightforward method for minimizing single-use plastics was a novel concept for me. Perfection isn’t required; every small effort counts.
What is Plastic Free July? Why is it significant? And how can you get involved?
What is Plastic free July?
In 2011, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, an Australian local government worker in Perth, visited her area’s recycling centre. That evening, while taking out her recycling, she realized she could do more for the surroundings than just recycle plastics.
The following day, she arrived at work and announced her one-month plastic-free challenge to her colleagues, inviting them to participate.
That concludes everything.
That single act sparked a huge, worldwide movement!
In its inaugural year, Rebecca and her team successfully recruited 40 households to participate in the challenge.
The following year marked further progress. They launched a Facebook page, presented a screening of the influential plastic-free documentary, Bag It, and conducted several practical workshops.
The Plastic Free July website, PlasticFreeJuly.org, went live in 2013, and awareness grew rapidly. By its third year, Australians made up less than half of all participants.
The challenge gained momentum, attracting wider participation. In 2017, the Plastic Free Foundation was established as a nonprofit. Its core belief: even minor adjustments can create significant impact.
The Plastic Free July Challenge
The core idea is straightforward: avoid disposable plastic items for a month.
However, the specific form it takes is your decision.
Why is Plastic Free July important?
Plastic’s initial creation dates back to the 1860s.It served as a substitute for ivory in billiard balls,a significant change at the time. However, its use rapidly expanded beyond this original purpose.
Following the conclusion of World War II, plastic producers faced a new challenge. Government contracts dried up, forcing them to find new markets to survive.That’s when our opportunity arose.
Our modern world, overflowing with plastic cups, plates, forks, food wraps, garbage bags, disposable diapers, and even artificial flowers, began in the 1950s. Back then, plastic manufacturers promoted a vision where housewives could avoid the chore of washing dishes. The solution? Simply discard everything!
This concept was groundbreaking back then.
Now, the accumulation of all that plastic is significant.
Plastic is a fully artificial substance made from fossil fuels. It’s engineered to endure indefinitely. Though, plastic bags, as an example, are typically used for only 12 minutes before disposal.
So…what happens to all that plastic??
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that…
Though, only 14% of what we intend to recycle actually gets recycled.
Recycling feels good, but it’s not a plastic solution. Only 2% of recycled materials truly cut the need for new plastics.
That 32% lost to the environment degrades due to water, air, and sun exposure. This constant exposure causes them to break down into tiny pieces. These pieces become microplastics . Microplastics are now found everywhere: in our food, water, blood, placentas, testicles, and even breast milk.
Recycling is vital for a circular economy, but it alone won’t solve the plastic crisis.
10 Ways to celebrate Plastic Free July!
Plastic Free July offers countless ways to participate. My top advice? Don’t attempt to change everything instantly.
It’s tempting to aim for a completely plastic-free life immediately. However, for sustainability to truly last, it needs to be manageable for you. Jumping in headfirst might seem appealing,but trust me – burnout is a real possibility. I’ve been there! 🙋♀️
This is a marathon, not a sprint. We need endurance, not just speed.
Focus on implementing one or two changes initially. After they become routine, introduce another.
Ready to kick off Plastic Free July? Here are my 10 favorite ways to celebrate and reduce plastic waste!
1. Take the Plastic Free July challenge.
The best way to honor Plastic Free July? Begin by tackling the problem at its origin!
join the Plastic Free July challenge! Sign up on their website. You’ll receive helpful advice all month long. Learn how to avoid and minimize single-use plastics.
2. Join the Plastic Free Eco-challenge
Want concrete steps to cut down on plastic? The Plastic Free Ecochallenge is your go-to guide for practical solutions.
Select from over 100 diverse actions and use helpful resources to guide you. Design your unique July challenge and witness the combined impact of our actions in real-time.
Whether you’re just starting or well on your way, the Plastic Free Ecochallenge offers actions for everyone. Discover your next steps towards reducing plastic use, from ditching plastic bottles to divesting from fossil fuels.
Locate a team in your area. you can also join the Community Team. Alternatively, start your very own team!
3. Do a waste audit
Understanding our waste is the first step to reducing it.
Each July,I conduct a week-long waste assessment. Whenever I discard an item into the garbage or recycling, I record it.
Remember, this is simply about gathering information, not assigning blame.
This weekend, I’ll analyze my trash output. I’ll then develop strategies to reduce the most common waste items.
A waste audit provides a baseline. This allows us to identify small changes with the biggest impact on our lives. Every eco-journey is unique. Focus on what works best for you.
4. Participate in a community cleanup
As I mentioned,simply cleaning up plastic isn’t enough. We must stop its production at the source.
However, vast amounts of plastic waste are readily available for collection and correct disposal.
Locate a local cleanup initiative and participate! You’ll also experience the rewarding feeling of contributing to your community’s environmental well-being.
5. Find a zero waste store or refillery in your area
Over the past few years,zero waste stores have become increasingly common. These are usually small, local shops. They offer everyday necessities with very little packaging. often, they also provide refill programs that minimize waste.
Discover zero waste shops near you using the Refillery Directory. Alternatively, explore SKL’s online zero waste store guide if you lack local options. Find your next plastic-free option this month!
6. Cancel Amazon Prime
That’s right, I’m advocating for it. Consider ending your Amazon Prime membership to support Plastic Free July.
amazon delivers a staggering 13 million packages daily. Surprisingly, if Amazon were a nation, its carbon emissions woudl rank 45th globally. This surpasses the emissions of over 75% of all countries.
Despite Amazon Prime’s allure of free shipping and savings, the typical member spends around $1,500 annually on the platform. In contrast, non-Prime members spend only $600 on average.That’s less than half the amount spent by Prime subscribers.
Skip funding Bezos’ lavish projects. Instead, back small, eco-conscious, and ethical businesses. Support companies that prioritize peopel and environmental sustainability. Plus, consider buying less overall!
7. Use what you have // buy less
Ultimately, plastic isn’t the core problem. Our consumerist and individualistic society is. Simply swapping single-use plastics for bioplastics or paper won’t solve anything. We’ll remain in a similar predicament.
Let’s shift our focus to mindful consumption. Prioritize buying less and sharing more. Explore the potential of your existing possessions and unleash your creativity with readily available resources. When a purchase becomes necessary, prioritize supporting sharing platforms or the secondhand market.
I’ve lost track of how often these resources have saved me money on purchases. Seriously, I can’t even begin to count! Some of my best finds include the rug I’m currently sitting on, a dozen happy houseplants, and my stunning, handcrafted solid-wood desk.
The journey begins with a simple question: “Is there a better way? Can we approach this differently?”
8. Learn about the history of single-use plastics
Exploring the history of single-use plastics is truly captivating. Understanding our evolution into a disposable culture makes it simpler to envision a future beyond plastics. It also highlights the interconnected factors influencing this shift.
Spend some time exploring the engaging story of plastics.You won’t regret it!
9. Divest and reinvest
Are you aware that banks heavily fund fossil fuels? Since 2016, the world’s 60 largest banks have invested $6.9 trillion in this industry. JP Morgan Chase, Citigroup, bank of America, and Wells Fargo are among the top five investors.
This financial ecosystem includes your savings, retirement, and investment accounts.
it might not be thrilling, but this topic is crucial. This year, for Plastic Free July, schedule a “money date” with yourself. Develop a strategy to move away from fossil fuel investments. Instead, reinvest in areas that reflect your personal values.
10. Talk about it!
Choosing to refuse and reduce plastic use in our daily lives is a fantastic move towards a more enduring future. But why not go further?
Share your activities and experiences with your loved ones.
Tell your friends! Post about it on your social media accounts.
Encourage your network to participate in Plastic Free July and the Plastic Free Ecochallenge.
People constantly ask me how to encourage others to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle.my top tip? Simply talk about it! Reducing plastic consumption challenges the norm, sparking curiosity in those around you. They’ll naturally want to learn more and ask questions.
Are you ready to jump into the plastic-free July challenge?!
My journey began with a simple share: a 5-minute Buzzfeed video about zero waste,posted by a colleague. Without that video, my life’s path would be unrecognizable today.
I will always appreciate my colleague for sharing that post. It was a simple click, but its impact has been enormous.
Share your actions and inspire others! avoid negativity like judgment or guilt. Simply embrace your plastic-free journey, and others will naturally follow.
