It’s Plastic Free July and we’re looking at sustainable living - how we can ditch the plastic and introduce more planet friendly alternatives.

Microplastics are everywhere, swimming in our oceans, filling up our earth and now raining down in the air we breathe. It’s time to wean ourselves off the plastic - here’s our take on sustainable living and where to start.

plastic free july

Now more than ever single use plastics are clogging up our planet, polluting our oceans and our lives. Choose to refuse single use plastics this July and search out low waste or no waste alternatives, it’s easier than you think.

The Plastic Free July site is the perfect place to start with lots of hints and tips on ways to get started. There’s no judgement, just great planet friendly ideas to help the earth and ease your conscience.

I’ve been on my eco journey for a few years now, slowly but surely reducing my plastic consumption and swapping out products and habits in favour of eco friendly alternatives where and when I can. I’ve ditched the clingfilm and the kitchen towels (cloth napkins all the way) and I’ve invested in a home composter for my food waste. It’s a work in progress, I’ve taken inspiration from vintage lifestyles, when we used to live much more simply.

Before you buy, stop and think about the low or no waste options. Buy things made to last and not single use throwaway destined straight for landfill. Seek out planet-friendly materials such as wood, paper, cardboard (all biodegradable) and metal or glass, both of which are more easily recyclable than plastic along with more durable and longlasting.

Look to the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot

Plastic Free Swaps

Here’s some simple swaps to get you started on your plastic free, low waste journey…

Reuse your old jars - jam and pickle jars are perfect for rehousing, from dried beans, to seeds, to paperclips - it’s a win win.

Shop small - buy from smaller suppliers with sustainable processes and packaging.

Reusable silicone lids or beeswax wraps - perfect for popping over leftovers of all shapes and sizes, though the old plate over a plate tactic works just as well.

Replace - water bottles, coffee cups, sandwich bags and plastic bags with reusable versions and keep in a tote bag by the door.

Swap your soap - from liquid to solid bar soap, it’s an easy swap plus it lasts a lot longer.

Buy refillable - toiletries and cleaning products can be purchased from your local or online zero waste store in bigger sizes.

Buy in bulk - and buy loose produce, less individual wrappings equals less plastic.

Wave goodbye to wipes - wipes of any kind make up over 90% of icky fatbergs, go back to basics with washable cloths.

Wash with care - wash at low temps and use a GuppyFriend washing bag to capture microplastics.

Besma, Curiously Conscious, has a great article on making simple plastic free swaps. Check out The Story of Plastic (Discovery) for more.

Feeling inspired? Take the pledge here

Little acts can add up to a big difference - we got this.

Jo

Sustainable Living - Plastic Free July

plastic free july

Plastic Free Swaps