Plastic Free July is an initiative to increase awareness of plastic waste & promote solutions to the problem of plastic pollution.
Of course, being a refill shop, we’re all too aware of the problem of our addiction to plastic.
That’s why we exist! Everyday is plastic-free (goals) for us.
I think that we all know about the problem of plastic waste but we seem to overthink the solutions.
plasticfreejuly.org estimates that:
“10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five year because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans, and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing.”
How epic is that? It’s a definitive answer to the question “but what can I do as little me?”.
How can you get involved?
If you’re just beginning to consider how to reduce your plastic waste, concentrate on one thing you can do this month: could you use a reusable cup, make lunch instead of buying something pre-packaged or take a tub to your favourite takeaway?
Try making a tally of the plastic you use at home.
If that feels too big, concentrate on the worst offending room (hint, it’s probably the kitchen). Take a look at your bin & recycling. What produces the most waste & is there an alternative?
If you're a bit further along in your plastic reduction, try looking across your house. You can take it. You're a brave change-maker. You're up to the challenge! How can you reduce plastic in every room?
Got that sorted? Green gold star my friend.
Try looking at your wardrobe. Could you stay away from synthetic fibres in your clothes that shed micro-plastics into water when you wash them or at least try second hand/pre-loved clothes. What about your garden, workplace, school or hobby..?
The weekly shop tends to be a huge cause of plastic pollution, with the kitchen being the worst offender in the house. Food wrappers, cling film, plastic washing up bottles...
If you’re finding it hard to reduce the plastic in your groceries, start small. It doesn’t have to be a huge task! If you're even considering the problem of single-use plastic then you're way ahead of my neighbours who just chuck everything into landfill. But people don't go from that, to a zero waste hero overnight.
We're clearly biased but refilling is a great way to slash your single-use plastic waste. If you've not tried refilling yet, or perhaps are finding it tricky to move away from supermarket shopping, could we help at Food for Thought?
We offer delivery & click/collect options online as well as being open 6 days a week. Most people take a look around the shop to do a recce. We're a friendly bunch & are happy to chat through what considerations you have in your household.
Start small & just keep swimming! Any zero waste questions, just shout.
Kerry
