Plastic Free July/August

 As I am writing this, if we don't act soon, it will be about twenty-nine years and one hundred and eighty days until the end of the world as we know it. It is a scary thought. We have to do something. Which is why I am here. More specifically, it is exactly why I am writing this blog post.The West Australian priority statement dated 2019 discusses that it is desirable to have waste recycled and that 70% of waste generated in WA should be recycled or reused by 2030. Even cutting waste in a school helps. If everyone did this, we would reach our target. Notice how I use the word OUR? This is because we are all fighting this battle. Each and every one of us here is. We HAVE to do something. It is not optional. Our planet, our responsibility. You may be thinking I am going on about nothing in particular. We have to support local businesses and save earth at the same time, especially in these times of crisis. We can do both by supporting Plastic Free July. (PFJ). First, a bit about this initiative. 

Plastic Free July was founded by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in 2017. It is a non-for-profit organisation which was started in Australia and is now renowned around the world for it's impact. Plastic Free July was began as a humble office initiative in an office in Western Australia where they went plastic free for July. But now everyone can participate in this initiative which is great! Plastic Free July's purpose is to help reduce plastic waste in July around the world. It was designed so everyone could participate in it easily and feel like they were supporting it. It is really helpful in ensuring everyone feels like they are helping, participating, and that everyone is making a difference no matter how small it is. Plastic Free July is an initiative designed to help the earth and to reduce the plastic waste that is produced around the world. So, how can you really help? Why would you participate in this? 

Plastic Free July is a wonderful opportunity for all people to have fun with and to participate in. It provides a goal for sustainability advocates and supporters to work towards and it helps to promote plastic waste reduction around the world. Being a simple and easy to participate in initiative, people of all ages have the chance to help which provides motivation to continue further after July has come to a conclusion. So, you are probably wondering how you can help this innovative initiative!

1. Try to avoid the usage of single use take-away drink cups.

This one might sound just a bit difficult seeing as you can't steal the shop's cups and you need a cup to drink from, but there are so many wonderful alternatives for this! Did you know that over 1.3 million coffees are sold every day in Australia? And, most of them come with single use cups, which, like the straw, will get used for 15 minutes, perhaps less, then go and clog up landfill. I'm sure you've seen people walking around with glass, ceramic, plastic coffee cups...the list goes on. One popular option for reusable coffee cups would be the Keep Cup. These are very popular and can be purchased from numerous standard retail stores, like Myers, Kitchen Warehouse and even some cafes! These options have been so popular, that many other people have come up with weird and wacky ideas. If you or anyone you know has a talent of forgetting or is short of space, these are brilliant, being made of silicone and collapsible! Reusable cups are the best gifts...I've bought numerous over the years for teachers and each time they loved them!

2. Choose to refuse pre-packed fruit and vegetables.

Buying plastic-wrapped or packaged fruits and vegetables might be cheaper and more convenient for you and your family if you are running short on time, but unfortunately it creates plastic waste and isn't, in the long run better for the environment. Instead, look out for loose fruit and vegetables in your local grocery store, or head to a farmers market or organic store where plastic packaging is less often used. Just think for a second...The government puts so much money into saving the environment, and by us using avoidable packaging, we aren't supporting their funds! Rather than bringing a bag, you could choose a box, which won't break and will be a bit easier to use than a bottomless plastic bag! Another one is the net fruit bag which, as its name suggests, is made from a light weight and cheap netting with a handy drawstring. They are direct replacements for the plastic bags! (Plus, the ones in bags are actually older than the ones on the shelf and won't last as long!) 

3. Choose to refuse party decorations with plastic.

I'm guessing you probably decorate the house with decorations on your birthday, or if you don't, you go to someone else's. Have you seen that plastic that gets wasted every time? If not, take note next time. It is really quite alarming. With a little bit of creativity (which makes things even more fun!), you can easily plan a party that’s free from balloons and other harmful single-use plastics. Popular decorations that can be reused time and time again include bunting, tassels, tissue pom poms, lanterns, fresh flowers, and more. If you are really dedicated, you could avoid paper plates too! They are lined with plastic and, contrary to common beliefs, are not recyclable despite the fact that they are paper. You might want to change it up with some reusable plates which can be purchased from a variety of stores for a cheap price. Some examples are from IKEA where a pack is just as cheap as paper!

4. Choose to refuse or recycle meat trays.

Although it might sound quite challenging, and a bit strange because you do need meat trays to contain your meat...but, really, the butcher would be glad not to waste his meat trays (after all, it does save them a bit of money in the long run!) so you could even bring your own plastic (not single use though) containers from home to put your meat in. Alternatively, you could bring your meat trays to some specific dog shelters where they can be reused in a purposeful and helpful way! Beyond that, you can encourage and support businesses to offer meat, fish and deli items that are unpackaged. You can also talk to them about alternatives to plastic packaging, or direct them to the Plastic Free July website for them to find helpful resources.

5. Bring your own water bottle.

Avoiding buying single-use plastic water bottles is as simple as carrying your own reusable alternative with you. Be sure to choose a socially-responsible and environmentally-friendly alternative, such as a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or safe aluminium. It is even easier to buy your own water bottle than have to get a new one every time! Some of the great things about that is that these reusable water bottles (especially if they are made of metal) are more durable, cheaper in the long run and much more aesthetic (a bonus!).

6. Refuse or recycle bread ties and bags.

Bread ties are common in usage across so many states. If you simply ask your local bakery not to give you one of these, I can guarantee they won't if you ask! It, does, after all, save them money as well! But, if you find that you can't get them to not give you one or there is a build up of old ones at home, they can be made into wheelchairs and prosthetic hands! Envision Hands will do exactly this!

7. Bring your own containers to take away restaurants if you can't dine in.

You could bring your own containers to be filled when you go to get takeaway! It's not always possible to dine in when we are all very busy but there are still completely and entirely plausible options that can mean you are doing your bit in the reduction of single use plastic. If you can't dine in, you can at least bring your own containers to takeaway shops that they can fill up to avoid the plastic single use ones you get provided.

8. Get creative with your bin liners.

Choose to refuse plastic bin liners. That includes ‘reusing’ plastic bags, because unfortunately they end up in landfill as well, and are harder to break down. Bin liners are ordinary parts of everyday life to stop those banana peels getting stuck on the side of the bin and making the container smell. You could line the bin with a few sheets of old newspaper (especially food bins) and if it is a food scrap one, you can put the newspaper with the food scraps in the compost too! Or, you could use a naked bin. Here are some tips, from Plastic Free July, to help ward off the extra smells if you choose the naked bin option! Wrapping the “icky” stuff in newspaper first, Freezing ‘wet’ scraps (in paper or a reusable container) until bin day or Home composting food scraps can work a treat!

9. Refuse plastic dental care items.

Choose to refuse single-use plastic dental products. More and more people are choosing toothbrushes that are made from sustainable, compostable materials, such as bamboo. Be aware though, bristles are usually still made from plastic, so you’ll need to cut them off before composting or reusing your bamboo toothbrush handle. You could even purchase an electrical toothbrush with replacement heads that also recharges! When it comes to toothpaste, many health and organic stores sell plastic-free alternatives. There are also recipes available online for making your own. 

10. *BONUS CHALLENGE* Can you get your canteen to participate?

Sounds hard? Check out this and it will be so much easier! Let me know in the comments how you go! I'd love to hear about it!