"It's one world. And it's in our care. For the first time in the history of humanity, for the first time in 500 million years, one species has the future in the palm of its hands. I just hope we realize that this is the case." - Sir David Attenborough, Blue Planet II, 2017
And just like that, it's Plastic Free JULY!
Plastic Free July is a global yearly challenge where millions of people try their best to give up single use plastic during the month of July. It aims to raise awareness of the amount of single-use disposable plastic items in our lives and challenges people to do something about it - motivation & inspiration, right here!
All of us here at reuzi will be taking on the challenge and we want you to as well! We know challenges can be scary so we're here to give you a helping hand.
From toothbrushes to shampoo, from tape to condoms... for whatever you can think of, there's a plastic-free alternative available (trust me, I spend my days doing a LOT of research!)
This is our quick checklist to get you started:
- Pick your battles - start with your quick wins / low hanging fruit, this will give you all the motivation you need to keep going
- Add to your habits as you go - start with a handful of new habits and add to the list as you go. Trying to do a lot at once and failing at a bunch of them can generate frustration and we don't want that, right?
- Spread the word! - Share your experiences with friends & family and remember: no judgement! Everybody is different and it is a learning curve
Looking for tips on where to start? Here are 50 ideas we love!
1.Use compostable floss instead of plastic floss
2.Use solid shampoo and conditioner – and refill liquid versions always when possible
3.Use cloth cosmetic rounds instead of disposable cotton balls
4.Use a bamboo toothbrush instead of plastic
5.Try a menstrual cup, reusable cloth pads or even period underwear
6.Switch to natural skincare in paper tubes, glass jars or metal tins
7.DIY cleaning products
8.Buy recycled or bamboo toilet paper
9.Switch to a metal safety razor
10.Try toothpaste tablets
11.Choose unpackaged bars of soap
12.Choose plastic-free cotton swabs or reusable silicone ones
13.Switch to handkerchiefs instead of tissues
14.Start a small garden, even just for herbs
15.Hang your laundry to dry
16.Cut ties with fast fashion – for good!
17.Choose second-hand always when possible
18.Shop at small, local businesses
19.Repair rather than replace
20.Learn basic mending skills
21.Cook from scratch using seasonal, local produce
22.Cancel unnecessary mail and emails
23.Create an “on-the-go” kit and take it with you
24.Bring your own shopping bags
25.Carry a coffee cup and a water bottle
26.Refuse plastic cutlery and straws
27.Say no to freebies
28.Say no to receipts – they contain plastic!
29.Bring containers for takeout and to store leftovers at restaurants
30.Research refill stores in your area
31.Use a French Press or a reusable coffee pod
32.Go meat- and dairy-free more often
33.Use cloths instead of paper towel
34.Use cloth napkins
35.Install a tap filter or use a charcoal stick to filter water
36.Pack your own lunch – no plastic cling film, please
37.Use beeswax wraps to store leftovers
38.Make stock out of veggie scraps and bones
39.Plan your meals and avoid food waste
40.Use your local library
41.Use both sides of a paper before recycling it
42.Donate gently used items to others in need
43.Use leftover water to water your plants
44.Rethinking gifting – choose experiences over ‘stuff’
45.Reuse wrapping paper and get creative – newspaper and magazines are great ways to wrap gifts
46.Donate, volunteer, get political, vote and spread the word
47.Walk / Scoot / Cycle always when possible
48.Use paper tape instead of plastic tape
49.Choose cloth nappies over plastic nappies
50.Learn the rules of recycling and composting
Good luck with #plasticfreejuly and give us a shout if you need any help at all!
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