Living plastic-free, take on the challenge this July

July 04, 2024

Did you know… Worldwide, we use 5 trillion plastic bags a year! That’s 160,000 bags used per second, shocked yet? On average less than 1% of these bags are recycled!

The Plastic Free Foundation is making strides to change these stats. Such as launching the annual worldwide campaign, Plastic Free July. As a result of the Plastic Free Foundation efforts, participants who joined the challenge avoided a whopping 10 billion kg of household waste over the last 5 years.

The Plastic Free Foundation has some great ideas on how to become a Plastic-free expert, whether you’re at work, school, at home, or within your community. The foundation also sends weekly emails throughout July, filled with tips and tricks to keep you motivated to remain plastic-free.

Not sure how to get started? Here are some easy ways to begin your plastic-free journey.

Reusable coffee cups:

Disposable coffee cups are a huge contributor to landfill and litter. Many people and businesses are switching to reusable, eco-friendly coffee cups. Several cafés are also offering discounts when you bring in your cup therefore, you’re not only saving the planet you are also saving money.

Reusable shopping bags:

Converting to reusable shopping bags instead of repurchasing the same old supermarket bags has become increasingly popular. Reusable, strong, everyday shopping bags are a great eco-friendly alternative and won’t take up space in your bin each week… Popular places to store these bags are in the car, hung up by the front door, and in the cupboard. Many shops and businesses are phasing out plastic bags by charging customers for usage, and are now offering cardboard boxes as an alternative.

Choose the loose produce:

Steer away from the pre-packaged stuff and head to the loose produce section, many stores offer reusable and recyclable produce bags. Fruit and vegetables such as bananas, aubergines, and courgettes don’t need a separate bag, just pack them away in one of your reusable shopping bags. Buying loose instead of pre-packaged produce helps to reduce unnecessary waste.

In schools:

Raising awareness in schools is your best bet, why not suggest holding a ‘plastic-free lunch day’ a great way to encourage children to take a look at what’s in their lunchbox, what is and what’s not recyclable. It is a fun and food-filled way to educate children to be plastic-free.

Shifting plastics purpose:

Get creative with your leftover plastics. Disposable water bottles can also make a great potting place for various plants and flowers. It's free and easy to do even the kids can get involved.
Here are some more ideas on how to put your plastics to good use: Converting your plastic into a piggy bank, bird feeder, jewelry stand, creating a dog treat game, going bottle bowling and so much more!

The 3R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

Reduce what you buy, “Do I really need this”?

Reuse items, when possible, maybe consider buying second-hand a great cost-effective option.

Recycle whenever possible, also begin purchasing only recycled products and do your part to stop the single-use cycle.

Why not make the challenge a lifestyle choice, and become a full-time eco-advocate not just during July but FOREVER! By 2050, the world's oceans could contain more plastic than Fish measured by weight. Your plastic-free contribution could have a significant impact on this figure.

At ClimeMET, we are also making moves to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Our ‘slight seconds’ eco sale includes our favourite products including all weather dials sold at a discounted rate. By making a ‘slight seconds’ purchase you are saving money whilst also saving the planet!

For more information on how to join the ‘Plastic Free July’ challenge visit: www.plasticfreejuly.org