We all know that 1 July means the beginning of a new financial year here in Australia - but what it also brings is the start of the annual movement called Plastic Free July.
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
You can learn more about Plastic Free July here: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
How can I get involved?
There are so many ways that you can get involved with Plastic Free July - you can do as little or as much as you'd like!
Here at The Simple Sustainable Store, we believe in making small changes to your lifestyle, one step at a time. Each week during Plastic Free July, we will recommend to our readers a couple of simple changes to make for that week.
As always, keep an eye on our social media (Instagram and Facebook) for other easy swaps and sustainable living tips.
To give you a head start, our Week 1 recommendations are below.
What else can I do?
If you want to take another step, you can also sign up to the official Plastic Free July Challenge at the link above.
YOUR MISSION FOR WEEK 1:
CHANGE 1: Ditch the cling wrap.
The problem: Australians use hundreds of thousands of metres of cling wrap each year. Cling wrap is not recyclable, which means that these hundreds of thousands of metres of plastic wrap inevitably end up in landfill (where it will not degrade for hundreds of years) or in our oceans, where it is a risk to wildlife and fish.
The solution: There are so many alternatives to cling wrap - this week, think about:
- storing leftovers in a reusable container rather than covering over a plate or bowl with plastic.
- using beeswax wraps to cover over plates, bowls and other items in the fridge, or to transport food.
- using reusable food covers to cover over plates, bowls and other items in the fridge, or to transport food.
Check out our range of beeswax wraps by the awesome team at Bee Green Wraps at this link.
If you prefer the idea of food covers, you can pick up a pack of these trendy 4MyEarth Food Covers here.
CHANGE 2: Avoid purchasing fruit and vegetables packed in plastic.
The problem: We've all seen it done before - from the convenience of pre-chopped pumpkin in a plastic punnet, to the ridiculousness of bananas put on a plastic tray and covered in plastic wrap (see below). In our modern world, convenience often comes at the cost of the planet.
The solution: When you're next at the supermarket or grocery store, make a conscious effort to avoid reaching for the plastic-packaged fruit and veggies, and instead try to select items that are 'nude', or covered in nature's own packaging - their skin!
Image Source: The Plastic Pollution Coalition
Until next time,
The Simple Sustainable Store