In a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges, Plastic-Free July emerges as an opportunity to analyze and reflect on your daily plastic use. This global movement, now celebrated annually, invites individuals and communities to reduce their plastic consumption and embrace sustainable alternatives throughout the month of July (and ideally beyond). The goal? To raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic on our planet and to encourage lasting changes in daily habits.
Facing the Facts
When I observe the consumption habits of some friend groups and family members, I frequently notice a lack of awareness regarding the waste generated. Behavioural changes are difficult to execute without visually seeing the impact you've been making along the way, whether positive or negative. A perfect analogy is checking your bank account. Some individuals can aimlessly spend money and then not understand how they don't have anything saved. Without actively monitoring your spending - like reviewing Uber transactions, restaurant bills, and subscriptions - it's challenging to grasp and manage your finances, similar to developing environmental awareness. The same principle applies to plastic and waste in general. If you are aimlessly throwing things in your bin, how are you able to really understand your impact?
From the outset of Earthub, prioritizing data demonstration has been key. We meticulously count and categorize items like pill bottles, egg cartons, milk bags, and mascara wands - a process I find particularly rewarding once we see the outcome. In 2019, during my initial steps towards a zero-waste lifestyle, I joined 'Futuristic February,' a program by the Sustainable Duo (though the duo is no longer a thing, but that's another story). The idea was to keep all of your waste so essentially, you could face the facts. This really gave me perspective on changes I could make. (Please don't give me hell for the photos below, I was a newbie once upon a time!)
Brittanny's various waste collections and products in plastic - 2019 & 2020
Simple Swaps
Transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle may seem daunting at first, but it's all about starting small and making sustainable choices wherever possible. When I visualized the waste and plastic involved in my consumption, it became much easier to identify the changes that could be made!
Various product swapping and reusing what I already have!
On top of using eco-friendly products, I started shopping with jars at Bulk Barn (pro tip: On Sundays, some locations offer 15% off when you bring your own container), experimented with making my own soap, and reused spray bottles with homemade cleaner.
Here are some additional swaps you could make during Plastic Free July (and for life!):
Reusable Shopping Bags
Stainless Steel Straws
Reusable Water Bottles
Beeswax Wraps or Silicone Lids
Bar Soap and Hair Bars (shampoo and conditioner)
Safety Razors
Wooden Dish Brushes
Dish Soap Bars
Dryer Balls
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Reusable Produce Bags
And if you're in Ottawa, don't miss our Plastic Free July sale at the Eco Store, where many of these products are available at discounted prices!
Why Plastic-Free July Matters
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From oceans to landfills, plastic waste poses serious threats to wildlife, ecosystems, and even human health. Plastic-Free July isn't just about avoiding single-use plastics; it's a catalyst for broader conversations about sustainability and consumer responsibility. By participating, individuals can actively contribute to reducing the demand for plastic products, pushing for eco-friendly alternatives, and advocating for systemic changes in industries and policies.
Photo from Plastic Free July. Check them out here.
Cultivating Life Long Habits
While Plastic-Free July serves as a powerful catalyst for change, the ultimate goal is to integrate these practices into everyday life. Here are tips for maintaining a plastic-free lifestyle beyond July:
Educate and advocate by sharing your journey and knowledge with others to raise awareness and inspire change.
Support sustainable brands by choosing products from companies committed to reducing plastic and promoting sustainability.
Reduce overall consumption by embracing minimalism and conscious consumerism to lessen your environmental footprint.
Get involved locally by joining community clean-up events or support local initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste. (Check out the Love Your Lakes clean-ups with 'A Greener Future'
Plastic-Free July isn't just a challenge - it's a commitment to a healthier planet and a sustainable future. By making mindful choices and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively reduce plastic pollution and pave the way for a cleaner, greener world. Remember, every small change adds up to make a significant impact. Let's embrace Plastic-Free July as a stepping stone towards a more sustainable lifestyle, one thoughtful swap at a time. Together, we can create a world where plastic pollution is a thing of the past!
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