Over the past ten years Plastic Free July has grown from a grassroots Australian concept into a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. We know avoiding single use plastic is important for wildlife, our environment and the food chain but going completely plastic free might seem a bit challenging at first. But it can be fun! Getting involved is easy (if you’re not already) and a great way to audit your own single plastic use in everyday life. To get you started we’ve put together a few tips to you started –

Decline plastic bags
One of the easiest and most obvious places to start, plastic bags are becoming less common but are still out there. Remember to bring your favourite reusable shopping bags whenever you head out shopping. Resist the temptation to settle for heavy-duty plastic bags which also eventually end up in landfill.

Bounce on bottled drinks
Single use plastic bottles can be recycled in crafty ways BUT are almost entirely avoidable. Bring a reusable water bottle, or opt for more sustainably packaged options when buying beverages to go.

Keep your cup
Coffee drinkers, keep an yere out for local cafes with discounts for BYO mugs and Keep Cups. Covid has made things more complicated but some cafes will accept BYO cups for ‘contactless’ coffee and other drinks.

Cut the plastic cutlery, lids and straws
Another easy one, particularly as these items are being outlawed in different cities and states. If you need a straw ask for paper or bamboo and if you’re having food delivered always remember to request no plastic cutlery!

Bring your lunch box
Lunchboxes aren’t just for school kids, they’re a great way to limit waste from meal packaging. Get creative with cloth bags and wax food wraps to minimize reliance on plastic cling wraps or aluminum foil.

For more resources visit plasticfreejuly.org or to share own tips or feedback email info@solarschools.net.