I don’t want to protect the environment, I was to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protecting.
Have you ever heard of Plastic Free July? In 2011, a small group started it in Australia and it has now grown to touch millions worldwide! The goal is help people become aware of plastics and to give them tips on ditching plastics. I didn’t find out about it until July 2018 and had a blast. I got a lot of new reusable items and found myself being more sustainable, although I felt I was pretty aware of it before.
We will be flying back to the United States this July, but I have bought the girls some bamboo utensils, we have stainless straws, and, as we always do, we will have our water bottles and coffee mugs! The key to decreasing your waste is to follow these helpful tips to keep away from plastic this July.
Bring Your Cup (or Bottle)
Disposable coffee cups may seem harmless, but they’re lined with plastic and usually have a plastic lid. If iced coffee is your thing, you’re usually getting all plastic. Fix this by bringing your own cup! Many coffee places even give you a small discount for bringing your own.
Don’t forget about staying hydrated too. Bring your own water bottle so you aren’t finding yourself dying of thirst and having to cave in and buy that plastic water bottle.
Grab Your Reusable Bags
Guys I’ve these suckers everywhere. Above my fridge, in my car, in the basket under our stroller…I try to never go without them! Sometimes you don’t realize until you’re out and about that there are things your household is lacking and you need to swing by the store..be prepared! Food for though, try to find natural linen bags. Polyester, nylon, and other bags are pretty much just made of plastic. So be mindful when buying your own.
Swaps in the Bathroom
Invest in a bamboo toothbrush, find refillable glass dental floss containers, make the jump and grab a safety razor, use organic cotton rounds, stick to soap bars…I could go on! I love bamboo toothbrushes with charcoal bristles. Don’t ask why, but they are my favorite.
I’ll also give you a little hint about the safety razor, you get a closer shave without razor burn! Yes, I said it! I use to think more blades meant a better shave, but it just isn’t true. I will be honest, I never dealt with really bad razor burn in the first place unless I didn’t use a good shave soap. I have tested it with our regular body soap bar a few times and haven’t had angry, red armpits!
Ditch Plastic Wrap & Plastic Baggies
I hope this doesn’t offend anyone, but I LOATHE plastic baggies. I still have some in my house that I’ve had for probably 5+ years because we rarely use them. I would even be as daring to say that we never use them for our food, but usually for an art project or something similar. I get stressed out when well intended people come over & grab them to put leftovers in when I have a million beautiful storage containers that do the same job more safely and easily!
There are beeswax wraps, cloth bags, glass storage containers, food huggies, and more to safely store your food without plastic.
Will you be participating in Plastic Free July? What are some of your own tips? Thanks for stopping by! xoxo Meghan
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