Plastic-Free July is always a great time to look for plastic-free alternatives so I’d like to share some ways to set yourself up for success in reducing your plastic consumption by focusing on one area of your life at a time. In this blog post, I’ll also share some easy plastic-free alternatives anyone can get behind and support this month and beyond!

This global movement started in 2011 through the Australian-based, Plastic Free Foundation. It challenges people, businesses, schools, local governments, and communities all across the world to go single-use plastic-free for the entire month of July. Millions of people participate in the challenge every year and commit to reducing their plastic consumption well beyond the month of July. 

If you’ve found this challenge to be overwhelming in the past, this blog post might be a helpful guide for how to take small steps towards lasting change!

Where are you using the most plastic in life?

Start by doing a general analysis of your lifestyle and behaviors. Figure out where you’re using the most plastic. 

What types of products are you using in the bathroom for your hair, in the shower, to wash clothes? What about in the kitchen? What are you using to store or preserve your food? Are you being conscious of your plastic use when you go out to eat or when you’re at the grocery store? What types of products are you buying, are they stored in plastic bottles or bags? 

Once you have a good idea of where you’re consuming the most plastic, you can start tackling one area at a time to find plastic-free alternatives! 

Makes swaps in sections

The purpose of this challenge is to make small incremental changes. I recommend focusing on one area of your life at a time. Make plastic-free swaps in the area where you found you’re using the most plastic. Below are some suggestions of plastic-free alternatives for different areas of your life.

  • Bathroom- Switch out your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo toothbrush. If you prefer electric toothbrushes, there’s also a bamboo electric toothbrush now on the market. Look into shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottled products. Consider zero-waste menstrual products.  Making your own face and body products is another great way to keep plastic out of the bathroom!  

  • Cleaning- Look into laundry sheets to avoid plastic jugs from ending up in landfills. Make your own cleaning products and store them in glass bottles. 

  • Grocery shopping- Get yourself some reusable grocery bags and produce bags, buy at bulk/package free stores and bring your glass jars, opt for boxed water over plastic water bottles.

  • Eating out- Ask for no straws when you order drinks, ask for no plastic utensils, and get yourself a pair of bamboo utensils. If you’re getting a quick meal on the go, always ask what type of to-go boxes they offer.   

  • Gifts- Think about gifting zero-waste experiences like a wine tasting, or a local concert. There are also plenty of ways to practice sustainable gift wrapping such as using Kraft paper, old posters or magazines, using a scarf or a pretty piece of fabric. Check out the impressive furoshiki Japanese style of gift wrapping. 

  • Vacation - It’s easy to fall back into using plastic when on vacation. One way to reduce plastic consumption is by remembering to bring your plastic alternatives (bamboo utensils, reusable water bottles, and reusable grocery and ziplock bags). 

There are plenty of other areas in your life to tackle plastic consumption, but these are just some ideas you can start with. Big Blue and You also has a great plastic-free Ocean Lovers Shopping Guide with some of our favorite ocean-friendly products. 

Keep the challenge top of mind

Unfortunately, plastic is EVERYWHERE and sometimes inevitable. Oftentimes, when we go out with friends or family, it’s easy to fall back into using plastic. What’s important is to keep the challenge and the purpose top of mind. 

When you ask for a drink at the bar or restaurant, remember to say “no straw please” (don’t forget about the tiny straws that always annoyingly come with cocktails)! If you forget your reusable bags at the grocery store, ask for paper bags or cardboard boxes at checkout. If you’re shopping and there’s absolutely no plastic-free alternative for whatever you want to purchase, opt out of purchasing. Remember that with every purchase, you’re voting for our future! 

How will you participate in Plastic Free July this 2021?

Remember to be patient with yourself if you find that, somehow, plastic has sneaked back into your life. It’s impossible to go completely plastic-free overnight, that’s why I recommend tackling areas of your life at a time. Every small step counts towards bigger progress and with every change you make in your life, you’re creating new patterns and lifestyle behaviors for a healthier future and ocean!   

Get involved with the Plastic Free July challenge this upcoming month and get inspired with their easy-to-follow guides for every area of your life. Share the challenge with your friends and family and encourage them to join you! Reach back out and let us know what area of your life you decided to tackle this month!

Written by: Multi-lingual Ocean Writer and Big Blue Crew member Christine Lacayo

Christine is a multi-lingual Catholic and Environmental writer helping sustainability and Catholic-conscious brands find their captivating voice through brand storytelling. She uses her blog, Conscious Mindful Living, where she writes about conscious consumption and living a life of intention and purpose. Christine is also the co-founder of a creative studio called Siembra Studios, offering branding and marketing content for changemakers and social impact brands.

Learn more about Christine:

Website: https://www.christinemarielacayo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinemarielacayo/