Plastic Free July is a global movement aimed at reducing single-use plastic and creating a positive impact on our planet. In this article, we will explore practical ways to reduce plastic in our lives, emphasising the importance of sustainable alternatives and empowering you to embrace a plastic-free lifestyle.
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental problem, affecting nature, wildlife, and our health. Understanding the urgency of this issue can motivate us to act and be part of the solution.
Sustainable Alternatives
We often underestimate the impact of our personal choices. By consciously reducing our use of plastic, we can collectively bring about significant change. Start by assessing how much plastic you use and finding alternatives. Even small changes can inspire others to do the same. Plastic Free July encourages us to find sustainable options instead of single-use plastic items. For example, reusable takeaway coffee cups and food containers. These changes will reduce plastic waste and save you money in the long run.
Take a look at the Bring it Back project for reusable cups schemes in your local area.
Shopping Mindfully
When you go shopping, make conscious choices that support a plastic-free lifestyle. Bring your own reusable bags, choose products with less packaging, and explore local shops that offer items without excessive packaging. For more expensive or bulky items, that you might need regularly, you can go to your local Library of Things to borrow items instead of buying.
Visit the LIBRARY FOR project in Peterborough Central Library to start borrowing household items.
Look for stores that offer refill stations for commonly used products such as shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, and household cleaners. By refilling your existing bottles instead of purchasing new ones, you can significantly reduce plastic waste. Many communities have zero-waste shops or refill stations where you can bring your containers and refill them with the desired product.
Check out Refill Revolution Peterborough
Grow your own
Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a small balcony, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs allows you to enjoy fresh, organic food while significantly minimising plastic packaging.
When you purchase produce from a grocery store, it often comes wrapped in plastic or stored in plastic containers. By growing your own, you eliminate the need for such packaging entirely. Instead, you can simply pluck your ripe tomatoes straight from the vine or harvest your lettuce leaves without the plastic bags.
Even if you have limited space, you can still grow herbs and small vegetables in containers or vertical gardens. Utilise recycled containers or repurposed materials as planters, further minimising your reliance on plastic.
DIY and Upcycling
One of the exciting aspects of Plastic Free July is exploring your creativity and finding new ways to repurpose items that would otherwise be thrown away. For example, using glass jars as storage containers or old milk bottles for bird feeders.
Get creative with your children this summer and take a look at the Nature’s School Summer activities on the PECT website!
On a larger scale, consider buying repurposed items for your home and garden.
Check out a great example of a company who rework bath tubs into garden planters!
Spreading Awareness
Plastic Free July is an opportunity to raise awareness and inspire others to join in. Take a look at our BLUEPRINT Ambassadors magazine to gain further inspiration from some of the amazing work being completed around Peterborough.
Find out more about Plastic Free July