4 tips: Start Plasticfree July prepared
Lotte participated in Plasticfree July in 2021, and it certainly didn't go off without a hitch. At the last minute, she decided to accept the challenge to live completely plastic-free during the month of July. She persevered, despite a few missteps, and now buys much more consciously.
"I will always look for a sustainable and plastic-free alternative first, and if it is efficient and easy to reach, that will always be my preference."
"I would like to give you some tips on how to - unlike myself - start Plasticfree July prepared."
Tip #1: Find ahead of time where you can find plastic-free packaged food in your area.
Where can you actually find plastic-free packaged food in your neighborhood? This is without a doubt the biggest challenge to the Plasticfree July campaign. There are hardly any plastic-free offerings in traditional supermarkets, so you have to look for alternative stores in your neighborhood.
In cities, the sustainable trend has been going on for some time and you can now find plenty of zero waste shops or local vegetable markets. Once you leave the city, that supply becomes scarcer. Fortunately, there are plenty of options online to find plastic-free packaged food. Just consider the Pieter Pot webshop. If you prefer to buy in a physical store, you can also always visit BioPlanet.
Tip #2: Don't make it too hard on yourself: go for simple zero waste alternatives.
The temptation is great to start Plasticfree July very enthusiastically and go "all the way" forgetting the possibility of applying simple swaps.
Here are some examples:
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Choose a wooden dishwashing brush instead of a disposable plastic sponge
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Use a reusable soap dispenser instead of choosing a disposable option every time.
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Stick a linen bag in your bag as standard and say no to a plastic bag at the supermarket.
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Reusable coffee mug or thermos
These rather simple swaps are easiest to use even after July. That way you will have a lasting impact without any additional effort.
Tip #3: Don't impulsively go to a zero waste shop where you buy up everything.
Think carefully beforehand about what items you will need and don't get caught by the nice plastic-free alternatives they offer in the zero waste shop.
Some stuff you just don't need or can easily replace with something in the house.
"The day Plasticfree July started I went to the zero waste shop and spent a huge amount of money on fun, sustainable gadgets. In the end it turned out that I didn't even use half of them.
For example, I bought steel straws; I've never used these before. I also bought reusable ear sticks for my friend and myself; these ear sticks turned out not to be very pleasant to use and now also remain untouched in the drawer.
And there are quite a few cleaning sponges in the cupboard that have never been used since I always use the same BRAUZZ. sponge cloth."Thus Lotte.
Conclusion: make a list in advance of things you think you will need. Buy consciously and think carefully before you purchase something, even if it seems like a good sustainable investment.
Tip 4: Don't be discouraged by one misstep, persevere!
Know that plastic-free living in this consumer society is quite a challenge. There is disposable plastic packaging all around us. Just look around when you walk through the streets.
So don't be discouraged when you do buy a plastic-wrapped meal or when you forget your reusable coffee cup. That's not a bad thing at all as long as you don't let it discourage you.
Plasticfree July is about raising awareness of our consumer behavior and its impact on our planet, people and animals. So feel free to commit a misstep, don't feel too guilty and continue the challenge!
Are you ready for Plasticfree July?
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