5 Tips for Conquering Plastic-Free July
Are you ready for Plastic-Free July? Do you know what it is? Plastic-Free July is a global challenge where you pledge to refuse single-use plastics for the whole month of July.
This challenge has a special place in my heart because this is really how I got into plastic-free living. As I mentioned in Starting My Plastic-Free Journey, I participated in my first Plastic-Free July challenge in 2017. I almost made it the whole month when on the last day, I sat down at a restaurant and without even making eye contact with the waiter, someone brought over a glass of water with a straw. Super bummer. Anyways, that month opened my eyes to how much plastic I came in contact with and from there, I started trying to replace it. Not just the single-use stuff, but the multi-use disposable plastics too–like shampoo bottles.
If you’re interested in taking the challenge, I know it can seem daunting but here are some tips to help you conquer Plastic-Free July!
- Find the Low Hanging Fruit
- Skip the Snacks
- Learn to Make/Bake
- Be Proactive with Takeout
- Use a Reusable Face Mask
1. Find the Low Hanging Fruit
Think about your typical day. Do you grab a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop? Do you pick up lunch and or dinner? What are some single-use plastic items you might encounter daily. Take a look in your trash can and see what the repeat offenders are. By identifying some of the biggest plastic culprits, you’ll be better prepared to take on the challenge.
If, you’re grabbing a daily coffee cup to-go, maybe switch to brewing your own coffee at home for the month of July. It’s cheaper, you’ll save the trip and gas, and no daily plastic waste!
2. Skip the Snacks
I know. It’s hard. We’re stuck at home and it’s so easy to pop a few chips or cookies here and there. But it’s not the best for your waistline, right? The snacks that are usually loaded with sugar, saturated fats, and other processed ingredients are also normally individually wrapped.
So, skip the snacks, or if you need something extra between meals, choose loose fruits or celery with peanut butter.
3. Learn to Make
Since embarking on my plastic-free journey, I’ve started making my own tortillas. Before COVID-19 when I was lazy, I would take my reusable container to my local Mexican restaurant and have them pop a dozen into my container. Now, since I can’t do that, I make them weekly. Let me tell you, they are SO much better fresh off the pan. Even the ones I had previously bought at the Mexican restaurant are pre-made somewhere else.
My point is there are several advantages of making your own foods:
- it tastes amazing fresh
- you know and can control the ingredients
- no plastic packaging
4. Be Proactive with Takeout
It’s tough with COVID-19 to avoid plastic with takeout. Even with restaurants opening back up, I’ve seen some switch to disposable plates and utensils. But the best you can do is be proactive. If ordering online or over the phone, ask for no bag, utensils, condiment packets, or whatever extras.
You could also try ordering foods that are generally packaged in paper or cardboard, like sandwiches, or pizza.
5. Use a Reusable Face Mask
Finally, don’t buy a box of disposable surgical masks. They’re made of plastic and they’re washing up on beaches all over the world. Instead, buy a cotton face mask that you can wash. Or if you don’t want to buy anything, you can use a bandanna or handkerchief. Here’s a quick video that shows you how to fold or sew a face mask:
What do you think? Are you ready for Plastic-Free July? Tell me in the comments if you’re taking the challenge!
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