Key Takeaways
- Plastic Free July challenges you to reduce plastic consumption.
- Replace single-use plastics like straws and take-out containers with reusable alternatives.
- More Plastic Free July ideas include making meals from scratch instead of purchasing packaged foods that are more conveniently packaged
- Continue using a FoodCycler® food waste recycler to reduce your use of plastic trash bags and other subtle ways that plastic can creep into our lives.
Could you go without plastic for an entire month? At FoodCycler®, we know you’re up for the challenge, because with us, it’s hardly a challenge! So make a great commitment to sustainability even better by taking it to the next level: choose to refuse single-use plastics at home, school, work, and around your community with our Plastic Free July ideas.
What Is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is an initiative started by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of the Plastic Free Foundation, in 2011 after touring a local recycling facility in Western Australia. She saw how much waste recycling produced, and started a small team that would seek ways to cut single-use plastics.
Once a local initiative, Plastic Free July is now a global movement and challenge that encourages people to avoid single-use plastics for the entire month of July.
Plastic Free July Ideas to Try
85% of people in an Ipsos study commissioned by WWF and Plastic Free July (Plastic Free Foundation) believe single-use plastics, which account for more than 70% of ocean pollution, should be banned.
Cutting plastic isn’t easy. That’s why Price-Ruiz and NPR Plastic Free July suggest not trying to change everything all at once. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Ditch Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastics are rapidly used and discarded, making them a huge contributor to global waste. This Plastic Free July month, try replacing these plastics with reusable alternatives. Some great examples include:
- Plastic Straw → Bamboo or Stainless Steel Straw
- Plastic Water Bottles → Reusable Water Bottle
- Plastic Produce Bags → Mesh or Cotton Bags
- Takeout Cutlery → Bamboo Utensil Set
Make Conscious Choices While Grocery Shopping
Grocery stores and shops are filled with convenience foods wrapped in plastic. So, what can you do?
- Reduce Packaged Convenience Foods: It’s a great idea to make more meals from scratch during Plastic Free July. It’ll help reduce your reliance on packaged convenience foods.
- Avoid Plastic Packaging: If possible, avoid foods with plastic packaging and opt for those wrapped in paper or recycled materials. You can also buy more fresh produce instead of packaged food.
- Buy in Bulk: Fill your own containers or bags with grains, nuts, coffee, and more in the bulk section.
Recycle Your Food Waste
Recycling your food waste with a food waste recycler can significantly reduce the need for plastic trash bags. Set up your FoodCycler® in your kitchen to recycle food waste such as:
- Fruit and veggie scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Meat and poultry
- Beans and legumes
Make DIY Cleaning Solutions and Beauty Products
Most cleaning products come in plastic bottles and containers. One helpful idea for Plastic Free July is to create your own DIY cleaning solutions with natural cleaning ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. Store them in refillable glass spray bottles rather than plastic.
You could do the same for beauty products, such as hair masks and facial scrubs.
Join the Movement
Thinking about lowering your impact on the planet? July is the perfect month to get started. Join millions of people around the globe in eliminating as much plastic as possible during the Plastic Free July challenge.
