I'm not going to lie.
I have been so excited about Plastic Free July this year and that excitement level just went through the roof! For me, July is my favourite month because, although I'm not a fan of the cold, it is my ambitious month of experimentation. I have been looking forward to this day all year!!!
I know, it sounds a bit over the top but I honestly love Plastic Free July. It is an Australian born initiative which makes me so proud and there is now so much momentum behind plastic free living which makes the whole adventure so much more fun.
I have been so excited about Plastic Free July this year and that excitement level just went through the roof! For me, July is my favourite month because, although I'm not a fan of the cold, it is my ambitious month of experimentation. I have been looking forward to this day all year!!!
I know, it sounds a bit over the top but I honestly love Plastic Free July. It is an Australian born initiative which makes me so proud and there is now so much momentum behind plastic free living which makes the whole adventure so much more fun.
My top tips for PFJ...
1. Sign up and make a pledge
You would be surprised at how many people don't realise that you can actually sign up for Plastic Free July. I think a lot of people assume it's just a slogan to encourage people to reduce plastic but, in actual fact, it's a worldwide movement of people working together to raise awareness about single use plastics and the possibilities in living plastic free.
PFJ collects the data from the registrations to be used as a powerful campaigning tool but also for research and analysis. It helps us to grasp the scale of plastic that we are using and to gauge the public support for plastic free alternatives.
So if you haven't already done so, make sure you sign up and make a pledge! I love Plastic Free July because it isn't about absolutes - you can choose to refuse all single use plastics or you can tackle one aspect like straws or plastic bags. This means that everyone can get on board at a level that is manageable for them.
PFJ collects the data from the registrations to be used as a powerful campaigning tool but also for research and analysis. It helps us to grasp the scale of plastic that we are using and to gauge the public support for plastic free alternatives.
So if you haven't already done so, make sure you sign up and make a pledge! I love Plastic Free July because it isn't about absolutes - you can choose to refuse all single use plastics or you can tackle one aspect like straws or plastic bags. This means that everyone can get on board at a level that is manageable for them.
2. Don't just think plastic
For me, I love Plastic Free July because it inspires me to think bigger than just single-use plastics. You may know that I am currently trying to eat less meat and find a healthy balance in my diet. I like to incorporate these aspirations into my PFJ regime and turn July into a truly awesome month.
One of the great things about Plastic Free July is that half of it is during the holidays. This means that there is plenty of time to think big (or small) and try new things. If there is ever something you wanted to try, whether that be a vegan diet, shopping in second stores, using public transport - whatever it may be, make July the month you give it a go!
One of the great things about Plastic Free July is that half of it is during the holidays. This means that there is plenty of time to think big (or small) and try new things. If there is ever something you wanted to try, whether that be a vegan diet, shopping in second stores, using public transport - whatever it may be, make July the month you give it a go!
3. Don't feel overwhelmed, find your own balance
Almost a contradiction to what I just said (but I think both sides of the story are important), don't feel overwhelmed or pressured to take on the world - you aren't a superhero! (But, of course, don't give up on your future with the Avengers just yet!)
It is important to find a balance that works for you and reflects your values. You don't have to become a gipsy and never touch plastic again, it is much more beneficial to pick one thing you want to change and commit to it! When we bite off more than we can chew, it is so easy to feel defeated before we even start.
So if you are someone who loves their take-away coffees, why don't you invest in a plastic free keep cup? I recently brought one for myself and one for my friend from The Source Bulk Foods and can I just say, it is one of the best purchases I ever made. The cups are stainless steel (plastic free) and compatible with barista machines. They are the perfect size for both large and small coffees and they don't leak! I love getting a soy chai latte in the mornings before school and then keeping it in my bag to finish at recess (when it is still warm!!!).
It is important to find a balance that works for you and reflects your values. You don't have to become a gipsy and never touch plastic again, it is much more beneficial to pick one thing you want to change and commit to it! When we bite off more than we can chew, it is so easy to feel defeated before we even start.
So if you are someone who loves their take-away coffees, why don't you invest in a plastic free keep cup? I recently brought one for myself and one for my friend from The Source Bulk Foods and can I just say, it is one of the best purchases I ever made. The cups are stainless steel (plastic free) and compatible with barista machines. They are the perfect size for both large and small coffees and they don't leak! I love getting a soy chai latte in the mornings before school and then keeping it in my bag to finish at recess (when it is still warm!!!).
4. Read lots and get inspiration
Finally, I want to share with you a few of my favourite places of inspiration which can get me excited about sustainable living and a plastic free lifestyle any day!
Peppermint Magazine
This magazine is such a beautiful read and it never ceases to inspire me. The publication is carbon neutral and covers topics on style, sustainability and substance. The winter issue has tips for a zero waste lifestyle and lots of beautiful gift ideas that are fair trade and plastic free. I love it so much, especially because the pages aren't shiny and plastic like most magazines but rather made from paper and feel so much more natural.
The Plastic Free July Website
If you haven't already checked out the PFJ website, definitely have a look because it is full of interesting resources and tips to help you on your plastic free journey. (I'd highly recommend checking out the action picker if you are unsure about where to start.)
Treading My Own Path Blog
I am sure that I have mentioned Lindsay Mile's blog a few times already but I cannot help but point her out again. Lindsay is a Perth blogger who writes about sustainable living with a strong focus on plastic free living. It is quite cool actually because she started her own plastic free journey after she signed up to PFJ. So definitely check out Treading my Own Path!
Peppermint Magazine
This magazine is such a beautiful read and it never ceases to inspire me. The publication is carbon neutral and covers topics on style, sustainability and substance. The winter issue has tips for a zero waste lifestyle and lots of beautiful gift ideas that are fair trade and plastic free. I love it so much, especially because the pages aren't shiny and plastic like most magazines but rather made from paper and feel so much more natural.
The Plastic Free July Website
If you haven't already checked out the PFJ website, definitely have a look because it is full of interesting resources and tips to help you on your plastic free journey. (I'd highly recommend checking out the action picker if you are unsure about where to start.)
Treading My Own Path Blog
I am sure that I have mentioned Lindsay Mile's blog a few times already but I cannot help but point her out again. Lindsay is a Perth blogger who writes about sustainable living with a strong focus on plastic free living. It is quite cool actually because she started her own plastic free journey after she signed up to PFJ. So definitely check out Treading my Own Path!
I hope I was able to inspire you a little and help prepare you for Plastic Free July 2018!
Let me know in the comments what your plans are for the month and any of your own favourite tips for avoiding single-use plastics.
Good luck!
Let me know in the comments what your plans are for the month and any of your own favourite tips for avoiding single-use plastics.
Good luck!