Plastic Free July Challenge: 31 Ideas to Go Zero-Waste This Month

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Plastic Free July is a global movement that was created to bring awareness to the quantity of plastic we use daily.

Throughout the month, let’s commit to the Plastic Free July Challenge and find alternatives to reduce our plastic consumption and live a more sustainable lifestyle: healthier for ourselves and the planet.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that was created to bring awareness to the quantity of plastic we use daily.

Are you ready to say no to single-use plastic items and other plastic products polluting our environment? Let’s be a part of the solution!

Here Are 31 Plastic-Free Ideas You Can Try:

We’ve collected 31 plastic free ideas to help you in the movement. Try one each day of the month. You’ll see, it’s not that hard, and much more enjoyable, to start a zero-waste journey after all!

At Home, In the Kitchen:

1. Filter tap water or refill your bottles at a water refill station instead of buying plastic water bottles. We also love the Japanese way to filter water using charcoal sticks!

2. Use compostable trash bags instead of plastic bags

3. Switch to reusable dishcloths and napkins that you can simply wash

4. Get reusable baking sheets for oven cooking

5. Replace cling wrap with beeswax wraps

6. Use a wooden dish brush and sustainable sponge not made out of plastic

7. Use dish soap bars and dishwasher powder – you can even make your own, like this one here

8. Many traditional detergents have microplastics. Go plastic free and make your own or use natural cleaning products

9. If you have a capsule coffee machine, get a reusable capsule that you can refill with your favorite coffee

10. Plant a garden to grow your own vegetables and herbs to go plastic free and avoid having to buy packaged herbs and produce

At Home, In the Bathroom:

11. Use natural soap and shampoo bars and save on tons of plastic packaging and microplastic being released in the water

12. Get a bamboo toothbrush

13. Avoid toothpaste packaged in plastic tubes. Try toothpaste tablets instead!

14. Use biodegradable floss

15. Stop buying plastic razors and go for reusable safety razors and recycle the blades.

16. Give a chance to the menstrual cup to make your period zero-waste and toxin-free!

Here’s Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Menstrual Cups

17. Buy toilet papers that are not wrapped individually in plastic

Meet Reel, the Bamboo Toilet Paper Company That Delivers Right to Your Front Door

18. Use natural loofas that offer a great scrub and are made 100% from plants

19. Need a new shower curtain? Get a fabric shower curtain liner instead of a plastic one

Out Shopping:

Synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, nylon, polyester, are made from fossil fuels which means they are plastic as well. They are not great for our skin, they produce a lot of toxins when being produced and every time we wash them, they release microplastics into the ocean.

20. No more plastic shopping bags! Bring your reusable bags everywhere you go! Make sure to have a few in your car, in your purse, and at home ready to go

21. Stop using plastic produce bags at the supermarket and carry with you reusable vegetable and fruit bags made in cotton or other eco-friendly materials

22. Buy in bulk all your fruits, vegetables, but also nuts, grains, species and bring your own containers when shopping

23. Go plastic free and choose more natural fabrics such as organic cotton, linen, hemp for your clothes, but also beddings, and other soft furnishings at home

Synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, nylon, polyester, are made from fossil fuels which means they are plastic as well.

24. Stop buying chewing gums – many are actually made out of plastic! Switch to a natural brand or tabs

25. Get biodegradable gloves instead of plastic ones if you use them to shop, get gas, etc.

Eating Out:

26. Refuse plastic straws with your takeout orders. Instead carry a stainless steel straw or bamboo straw you can wash and reuse as often as you want

27. Bring your own reusable water bottle filled with water or homemade soda, instead of purchasing plastic bottles on the go

Commit to finding alternatives to reduce our plastic consumption and live a more sustainable lifestyle: healthier for ourselves and the planet.

28. Use reusable containers for your takeaways and to store your leftovers instead of using plastic or foil

29. Bring your favorite mug to the coffee shop. You can also get a thermal mug to keep your beverage warmer and be plastic free. Many coffee shops now offer a discount if you bring your own

For Events, Birthday Parties, Family Dinners, Etc:

30. Don’t buy plastic cutlery and tableware anymore for birthday parties or other events. If you need disposable, go with compostable tableware such as the ones from SellSage that are made from naturally fallen palm leaves and turn into compost in 45 days

31. Avoid buying plastic balloons and instead decorate with ribbons, pinwheels or flowers