Learn how to celebrate Plastic Free July

Caitlin Russo

Ways to cut down on plastic use include food storage containers with lids, or invest in beeswax wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap .

You’re probably aware just about every day on the calendar has some sort of special designation, whether it’s World Emoji Day (July 17), National Hug Your Dog Day (April 10) or Secondhand Wardrobe Day (August 25). Each month also has its own list of designations, and one of my favorites for July is Plastic Free July.

Plastic Free July started with a handful of participants in Western Australia in 2011 and has grown to millions of participants across more than 150 countries worldwide.

The initiative aims to educate and inspire people to become more aware of their plastic use and avoid single-use plastics where they can.

Lots of plastic can be avoided by using a reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug in your car or at work.

There are the basic steps to reducing plastic:

Using cloth bags when shopping
Skipping straws or bringing your own reusable straw
Skipping single-use utensils and choosing reusable ones
Bringing a reusable water bottle and/or coffee mug with you in your car or at work

And there are some other steps you may not have thought of:

Buy produce that’s package-free
Use food storage containers with lids, or invest in beeswax wraps as an alternative to plastic wrap (which cannot be recycled)
Use glass food jars as food storage containers
Shop from the bulk section of the grocery store and bring your own containers to fill (be sure to have the containers weighed while empty)
Use lightweight food containers for snacks on the go, rather than zip-top bags
Use bars of soap or shampoo instead of ones that come in a plastic container
When you pack for a flight, invest in a reusable clear bag and durable, reusable containers for your carry-on liquids
Switch from a plastic toothbrush to one made of bamboo
Research how to make household cleaners and detergents yourself
Look for aluminum cans that are free of BPA - not only will they be free of plastic, they’re better for your health

Avoid single use produce bags by bringing mesh bags to the grocery store.

This month, I’m challenging you to look around your home and see where most of your plastic waste comes from. Is it in your kitchen? Bathroom? Once you can identify the source of most of your waste, then you can start to figure out how you can shift to wasting less.

When you pack for a flight, invest in a reusable clear bag and durable, reusable containers for your carry-on liquids.

Learn more about Plastic Free July and get tips throughout the month by visiting their website (plasticfreejuly.org) and Facebook page.

Read more from Caitlin at EcoCajun.com.