Photo Credit: Greenpeace
Every year, when July rolls around, I find myself feeling two things: a little daunted, because it reminds me of how much plastic still finds its way into our daily lives, and a little hopeful, because it also reminds me that we can change.
Plastic Free July has become a movement I come back to year after year. Not just because it makes me look again at my habits, but because it encourages millions of people around the world to do the same. Not perfectly, not overnight, but honestly and intentionally.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that this isn’t the first time I’ve written about it. But this year, I wanted to go a little deeper. Not just why we need to reduce our plastic use, but how to actually do it. So below, I’m breaking down some of the most effective (and manageable) ways to live with less plastic, and where to go for extra support if you need it. Let’s make this July the month we don’t just talk about change, but live it, little by little.
SO, WHAT IS PLASTIC FREE JULY?
Plastic Free July is more than just a catchy campaign; it’s a worldwide initiative that originated in 2011 in Australia, initiated by the Plastic Free Foundation. What began as a local effort has transformed into a global call-to-action, inspiring over 100 million participants in 190 countries each year.
At its essence, Plastic Free July invites us to reflect on our daily habits and ask ourselves, where can I lessen my dependence on single-use plastics? More importantly, what could be achieved if we all made an effort, even a small one? The concept is straightforward: throughout July (and ideally beyond), we pledge to cut down or eliminate our use of single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, takeaway coffee cups, bottled water, cling film, straws and overpackaged groceries. Though these items may seem insignificant, their impact accumulates quickly. Annually, we generate approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic, half of which is intended for single-use before being discarded. Much of this plastic ends up in landfills or, worse, our oceans, where it can persist for hundreds of years.
Related – What is Plastic Free July?
Small Actions, Big Impact
Plastic Free July not only highlights this issue but also showcases what’s achievable. By rejecting unnecessary plastics, we decrease demand, alleviate pressure on waste management systems, and communicate a strong message to businesses and governments that we desire better, more sustainable alternatives. Most importantly, it demonstrates that small actions, multiplied by millions, can create a significant global impact.
So, whether you choose to decline a straw at your local café, switch to a shampoo bar, or finally eliminate cling film, every action matters. Perfection isn’t the goal; rather, it’s about being mindful and taking steps towards improvement wherever possible.
HOW WE CAN LIVE PLASTIC-FREE?
Before we explore the swaps and solutions, I want to emphasise something crucial: these changes matter. In a world inundated with news about climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, it’s easy to feel that our individual efforts are too insignificant to create an impact. However, that could not be further from reality.
Every piece of plastic we choose not to use is one less item that contributes to landfills, pollutes our oceans, or poses a threat to wildlife. Each time we opt for a reusable water bottle, bypass the plastic-wrapped cucumber, or refill our shampoo instead of purchasing a new bottle, we are making a statement: this matters to me. And these choices have a ripple effect. Consider this, if each of us committed to just a few plastic-free swaps and maintained them, the combined impact would be substantial. We would produce less waste, reduce fossil fuel extraction (since plastic is derived from oil), and decrease harm to marine life. Moreover, we would send a clear message to companies and governments that the era of disposable plastic is nearing its end.
Thus, this list goes beyond mere convenience swaps or trendy eco-products. It reveals real, tangible ways to care for the planet, and ourselves, one habit at a time.
1. Ditch single-use plastics
This is the most obvious yet impactful first step, an excellent starting point for anyone new to the plastic-free lifestyle. This includes:
- Plastic bags: replace them with reusable fabric totes or string bags. I personally love Baggu for their compact, colorful, and machine-washable selections.
- Plastic bottles: consider investing in a sturdy reusable bottle, such as those from Ocean Bottle, which also supports plastic recovery efforts in coastal communities.
- Straws and utensils: carry a travel cutlery set or a stainless-steel straw in your bag. Be sure to check out FinalStraw or KeepCup (they offer more than just cups!).
My action tip: Create a “to-go” kit to keep in your bag or car, filled with a water bottle, straw, utensils, and a tote bag. This way, you’ll always be prepared.
2. Rethink your food shop
Supermarkets are plastic-heavy zones. So how do we shift?
- Opt for loose produce: Remember to bring your own cloth produce bags or seek out local grocers and farmers’ markets.
- Embrace bulk buying: If you have access to a refill shop, such as Art of Zero Living in Greenwich (my local), The Source Bulk Foods or local co-ops – just bring your own containers to stock up without plastic.
- Steer clear of pre-packaged meals. Instead, prepare fresh meals, freeze any leftovers, and avoid plastic trays.
My action tip: Challenge yourself to a plastic-free week. Commit to purchasing only items that aren’t wrapped in plastic and observe how this shift impacts your habits.
3. Switch to refillable or package-free beauty
Bathroom plastics add up fast, shampoo bottles, razors, deodorants… the list goes on.
The good news? So many low-waste brands are innovating here.
- Shampoo & conditioner bars from brands like Ethique, HiBAR, or Lush work beautifully and last longer.
- Safety razors like those from Leaf Shave or Estrid are stylish and endlessly reusable.
- Refillable deodorant? Try Wild, Fussy, or Myro.
- Toothbrushes such as Suri’s eco-conscious design with detachable heads made from compostable cornstarch or bamboo alternatives from Truthbrush.
My action tip: Pick just one plastic item in your bathroom to swap this month. A bar soap or a refillable deodorant is a great start.
4. Go Plastic-Free in the Kitchen
Our kitchens often contain hidden plastics, from cling film to dish sponges and storage containers. Here’s how I made the change:
- Beeswax wraps or silicone covers instead of cling film, consider options like BeeBee & Leaf, Abeego or Stasher Bags.
- Cellulose sponges or brushes with wooden handles as alternatives to plastic. I can highly recommend Wild & Stone and Eco Living UK
- Glass jars or stainless-steel containers for food storage (old pasta jars work great too!).
My action tip: Conduct a “plastic audit” in your kitchen, and focus on one drawer or shelf and identify the plastic items. Gradually replace these as they are depleted.
5. Rely on refill stations and local initiatives
We can’t tackle this challenge on our own, but fortunately, we don’t have to. Refill shops, local composting initiatives, and zero waste communities are emerging everywhere. They typically provide:
- Refills for cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, shampoos, and more such as Bower Collective – send back the packaging for free, and they’ll refill and reuse them.
- Package-free pantry essentials
- Knowledge-sharing events or repair workshops
Just utilise the Refill App to locate one nearby, or explore ‘Zero Waste Near Me’ in your map, or Litterless (for those in the US).
My action tip: Dedicate a weekend to explore your local zero waste or refill store. You’ll leave feeling inspired and likely well-stocked!
6. Make conscious clothing choices
Every time we wash our polyester fleece or nylon leggings, microplastics are released into our waterways. But there are alternatives, and I talked about this a lot lately.
- Opt for natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, or Tencel.
- Buy less, choose wisely. You can explore second-hand shops or more ethical and sustainable brands like Neem, Brothers We Stand, People Tree.
- Utilise a microplastic-catching laundry bag. I personally like the Guppyfriend, which aids to reduce plastic pollution during washes.
My action tip: Begin checking the labels on your clothing, if they contain more than 50% synthetic material, think twice. Alternatively, challenge yourself to purchase second-hand this month.
7. Get involved and spread the word
The greater the number of who’s participating, the larger the impact we can create. Plastic Free July is not solely an individual effort; it’s a collective movement. I’m sharing the word on my platform, Suzstainable. But you can help share the word too. How?
- Organise a plastic-free picnic or potluck with friends.
- Showcase your sustainable swaps on social media by using hashtags #PlasticFreeJuly and #MyPlasticFreeLife. You never know who these small steps might reach.
- Reach out to your local council or MP to advocate for reduced plastic usage in your community.
My action tip: Pledge to take one public action, whether it’s sharing a swap online or joining a local clean-up, and experience the empowerment it brings.
AND FINALLY....
The reality is that Plastic Free July isn’t about guilt or going zero-waste overnight. It’s about finding the changes that work for you and sticking with them. Maybe it’s saying no to straws. Or making the switch to shampoo bars. Or finally visiting that refill store you’ve walked past for months. The point is: start. And keep going. Perfection is not the goal here, the goal is our planet. As I said earlier in this article, when enough of us do a little, it adds up to a whole lot.
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