Plastic-Free July

Sustainability, like health & wellness, isn’t a trend — it’s a lifestyle. Inspired by the endless ways the earth provides for us, I find small ways each day to recommit to my goal of reducing my footprint. My motivation today, for example, the earth offered us raspberries, olalliberries, green conehead cabbage, red cabbage, 2 zucchinis, and 10 lbs of potatoes. It is with deep gratitude we harvest this food. We could never offer back to the earth equally for everything we take throughout our lifetime. But what I can offer back is my care, my attention, my stewardship, and hopefully inspire others to do the same in whatever ways they can. 

There are so many unique ways we can come into more balance with the earth. I joined the Plastic-Free July challenge which I heard of through an animal sanctuary I used to volunteer with. This global movement is all about reducing single-use plastic waste and embracing more sustainable habits. Small changes amplified to a big scale by our collective efforts create a massive positive impact for the planet, animals, and future generations. Every year, over 380 million tons of plastic are produced — and much of it ends up polluting our oceans, harming wildlife, and entering our food chain. Plastics never fully decompose; they just break down into microplastics.

Changing the way we shop requires a bit of a mindset shift and reflection before we pull out our wallets or phones to pay. As society cooks less and eats out more, single-use plastics are commonly being used by each of us every day: morning beverages, a quick breakfast/lunch on the run at work, or grabbing take-out dinner on the way home. Consider ways in which you can lessen single-use plastics. When you are at the grocery store, choose products with less plastic and styrofoam packaging. Or better yet, buy in bulk!

4 Simple Ways to Go Plastic-Free This Month

1. Ditch Single-Use Plastics
   Keep your own reusable water bottle, shopping bags, and coffee cup in your car so you are always prepared. 

2. Buy in Bulk
   Shop at bulk stores or refill stations with your own containers. It cuts packaging waste and saves a lot of money! I have been buying in bulk for the last 15 years and you can find products in bulk for ⅕ of the retail price. Now that you can get most things online and shipped, this even saves the hassle of standing around in line at the grocery store. 

   3. Swap Out Your Kitchen Materials
        Use wax wraps, glass containers, or re-usable foil instead of plastic wrap and       sandwich bags.

   4. Say “No” to Plastic Utensils
Carry a travel utensil kit or bamboo cutlery when you're on the go. Just throw some utensils from your drawer into your bag!

Another idea is plastic-free toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner bars. I have tried many of these products but haven’t found one I enjoy and recommend. Stay tuned as I am still on the hunt for the perfect shampoo bar. We can all make small, intentional changes in our daily lives- from the way we eat to the way we shop- and live more sustainably in simple ways. The good news: You don’t have to do it all at once. Take small steps towards change over time to form lasting habits.