Did you know that July is Plastic Free Month? That's right, a whole month dedicated to reducing our plastic consumption. While it might seem like a daunting task, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference. In this article, we will discuss some simple ways to reduce your plastic consumption during Plastic Free Month. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Plastic Free July and why should we participate?
Plastic Free July is an annual campaign to reduce plastic consumption. The goal is to raise awareness about the damage that plastic pollution is doing to our environment and to inspire people to make small changes in their everyday lives to reduce the amount of plastic they use.
There are many reasons why we should participate in Plastic Free July. First, plastic pollution is a serious problem. It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters the ocean each year, and this plastic can have devastating effects on marine life. Second, even if we don't live near the ocean, the plastic we use still ends up in the environment because it takes centuries to break down. Third, reducing our plastic consumption is one small way we can help make a difference in the fight against climate change.
How to reduce your plastic consumption during Plastic Free July
Reusable bags
There are a few ways that you can reduce your plastic consumption during Plastic Free July. One way is to bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping. This will help to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfill. Reusable bags last longer due to being made from a stronger material than plastic. You don't even have to use reusable bags for shopping, you could carry your lunch or books with it. They also help protect wildlife and allow you to save money as some supermarkets and stores charge for plastic bags.
So next time you're out shopping, remember to take your reusable bags with you!
Reusable straws
Metal, bamboo, and glass straws are a great alternative to plastic straws. With Americans using 500 million drinking straws a day, making the switch to more sustainable straws would be a small change for you, but a huge step in reducing our impact on the environment.
While plastic free straws are not only easy to carry around with you, you can also get cleaning brushes for them so they won't be dirty. Plus, reusable straws are recyclable, so you can feel good about using them without harming the environment. And if that's not enough to convince you, reusable straws also don't pose a risk to animals that could accidentally ingest them. So next time you're reaching for a drinking straw, opt for a metal, bamboo, or glass one and help save the planet!
Avoid products wrapped in plastic
We're all guilty of it. You're at the store, and you need shampoo. But instead of heading to the bulk aisle, you grab the first bottle you see off the shelf. It's easy and convenient, but what you don't realize is that those few seconds of convenience are having a big impact on the environment. Every year, millions of tons of plastic are produced, and much of it ends up in our oceans where it harms marine life. So how can we avoid buying products that come wrapped in plastic?
The first step is to be aware of the issue. It's easy to forget about the environmental impact of our choices when we're just trying to get through our day-to-day lives. But if we take a moment to think about the long-term consequences of our actions, it can be easier to make more sustainable choices.
The next step is to change our shopping habits. When possible, opt for products that come without packaging, or choose items that are packaged in paper or glass instead of plastic. If you do need to buy something that comes in plastic packaging, try to find a way to reuse or recycle the packaging instead of throwing it away.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced each year.
Sanitary items
We all know that plastic is bad for the environment. It takes hundreds of years to break down, and in the meantime, it pollutes our land and waterways. But did you know that your sanitary items are probably made of plastic? Over a lifetime, one menstruator will use between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons. That's a lot of plastic! And a single pad is estimated to take 500—800 years to decompose. So, what can we do about it?
One solution is to switch to plastic-free sanitary items like menstrual cups and washable period underwear. Not only are they better for the environment, but they can also be more comfortable and cost-effective in the long run. So next time you need to restock your supply, consider making the switch to a more sustainable option.
Swap your bottled liquid soap for bar soap
Liquid soap has its perks. It's usually in a pump, which feels more sanitary, and it often smells nicer than bar soap. Plus, liquid soap can be pretty darn fun to use. All that lather! But there are some environmental reasons why bar soap might be the way to go.
For one, bar soaps have 10 times less of an impact on the environment than liquid soap. They're also usually in less harmful packaging, such as cardboard, or in some cases, no packaging at all. You could even make your very own bar soap, with plenty of tutorials online, and can cater the smell to your liking. So, when you're at the store, considering picking up a bar of soap instead of liquid soap. Your skin- and the environment- will thank you!
Reusable Bottles
One plastic water bottle can stick around for 450 years before it deteriorates completely. This means it's time to ditch the plastic water bottle and opt for a reusable bottle.
If you're looking for a reliable and environmentally friendly reusable water bottle, look no further than Elemental bottles. Made of high-quality, 18/8 stainless steel, and being BPA free, our bottles are free of harmful chemicals and won't leave a bad taste in your mouth.
So, ditch the plastic and make the switch to reusable water bottles this Plastic Free July. Your taste buds (and the planet) will thank you!
Plastic Free July is a challenge to help people reduce their plastic consumption. Plastic harms the environment and our planet, so it's important that we all do what we can to reduce our reliance on it. There are several ways that you can participate in Plastic Free July, including ditching the plastic water bottle, bringing your own reusable bags when shopping, and avoiding products that come wrapped in plastic. So, face the challenge this Plastic Free July, and help make a difference for our planet!
