Plastic Free July is a fundamental initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation that began in 2011 and is now one of the most influential environmental campaigns. It encourages people all across the globe to strive for a plastic waste-free world by reducing their daily utilization of single-use plastic. At first, it may sound challenging but there are many ways that you can take part in the campaign this year, even if it is picking up litter in your local park or beach. This year we’ve focused on two main areas where you can cut down on single-use plastics everyday, in the bathroom and with food and drink.
- Swap out liquid soap for bar soaps
- Refill, reuse or recycle existing empty plastic bottles and tubs
- Use plastic-free toothbrushes such as ones made out of bamboo
- Purchase a toothbrush with a replaceable head
- Make your own organic toothpaste
- Use reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups
The packaging used for the above all contain single-use plastics, so reducing plastic waste can help to prevent the chance of plastic waste entering our natural surroundings and protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic as food.
- Bring your own reusable water bottles and coffee cups
- Use plastic-free tea bags or loose tea
- Plastic free packed lunch / picnic
- Buy loose or produce from bulk food stores using reusable bags, containers
- Use alternatives to cling film, such as beeswax roll and tupperware boxes
- Before you buy, think whether there is a lower waste or no waste option
In doing this, we can reduce the pollution produced by e.g. plastic water bottles, which end up in landfills. Also, as we know, coffee cups are rarely recyclable and even ‘compostable’ cups are rarely composted as they require very specific facilities and conditions.
We challenge you to take part in Plastic Free July this year! Make sure to tag us on our social media platforms @binituk so we can see your efforts to reduce plastic waste.
Jess
[All information is from www.plasticfreejuly.com]
