If you’re reading this blog chances are you’re starting, or are well into, your sustainable lifestyle journey. You’ve probably swapped out plastic bottles for a cute stainless steel emotional-support water bottle, or invested in a 6-pack of reusable straws (because, save the sea turtles!). But if the shine of going green has started to fade, let me help you stay motivated by introducing you to Plastic Free July.
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a charity dedicated to reducing single-use plastic (SUP) waste; they offer resources, ideas, and a fun sign-up challenge to get consumers motivated and mobilized. Although the foundation is based in Australia, their campaign is open to all, and they share a variety of ways for individuals and organizations to get involved. For those that need a little dopamine kick to stay on-task, Plastic Free July is the perfect way to create attainable goals and set yourself up for some instant gratification.
And for the commitment-phobes (I know you’re out there) here’s a few steps you can take on your own without the hullabaloo:
Shop loose or bulk groceries
While the convenience of pre-packaged salads and bagged grapes is undeniable, choosing to bring your own bags and/or buying loose produce and bulk grains can help you reduce the amount of SUPs you consume.
If you want to take it a step further, you can research local small-batch and sustainable shops in your area, supporting your community while saving money and trying out a new way of shopping!
Opt to combine packages
I know we all love Amazon.
I also know we feel terrible about loving Amazon.
But unless you’re willing to avoid online shopping like the plague in July, one way to cut your SUPs is by choosing to have your deliveries bundles into fewer boxes. It might take an extra day or two to arrive, but it’s an easy, zero-effort way to be a little more sustainable.
Of course, you can always take it a step further and opt-out of Amazon shopping for the month—it’s all about what feels doable to you.
Join a community clean-up
This is for the extroverts, or people of action. If you want to make a tangible difference that you can see, try joining a local beach or park clean-up! You get to meet new, like-minded people, and flex on your Insta while beautifying your community.
If you want to be involved without being *involved,* you can also organize, donate to, or share the event to spread awareness. There are a variety of reasons someone may not be able to physically contribute to a clean-up, but there’s many equally impactful alternatives to support the cause!
Contact your local government
For those who are passionate about making a difference and unafraid to speak up, calling your local representative can be a great way to initiate change in your community. Share how you feel about new laws or mandates that are up for voting on, or demand change for specific situations in your area.
You can also spread awareness by involving your friends and family, and even write a script for them to follow if lack of knowledge is keeping them from getting involved.
It’s important to remember that reducing SUP consumption doesn’t just have to be buying less plastics. Building awareness is an equally important way to increase your impact, and grow the movement.
It’s also important to remember you’re just one person. Sometimes avoiding single use plastics isn’t an option, and it’s okay if you don’t adhere to a plastic-free life 100% of the time. Becoming more sustainable is a lifelong journey that modern consumerism doesn’t always cater to. And getting caught up in an all-in mindset can lead to discouragement, and then defeat.
Take going green day-by-day and understand that your best effort is important and valid. Celebrate your wins, and remember to give yourself grace—changing the world takes more than one Plastic Free July.
your two cents