”The most sustainable product is the one you already have…”
Plastic Free July is more than just a month-long initiative; it’s a global movement that empowers individuals to make small, practical changes to reduce plastic pollution. This worldwide campaign started in 2011 with a modest idea: encouraging people to avoid single-use plastics for a month. Since then, it has grown exponentially, inspiring millions of participants across the globe to rethink their plastic consumption and adopt more sustainable practices.
This month is important because it addresses the urgent need to combat plastic pollution, a pervasive environmental crisis that affects every corner of the planet. Plastic production and disposal have a direct and an indirect effect on the environment; ecological disasters such as oil spills, and global warming lead to extreme weather, just have a look at the increasing numbers of forest fires and extreme temperatures countries are experiencing during the Spring and Summer seasons.
Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, endangering marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and ultimately making its way into the food chain, posing significant health risks to humans. Lately, more and more studies have found microplastics in all the organs of the human body. The short-term effects of this are allergic reactions, cell deaths and breathing problems. However, the long term effects are not yet fully understood and we are scared to think what future studies will conclude. What’s sure is that something needs to be done, and quickly!
Here are five easy ways to contribute to this year’s Plastic Free July;
1. The most sustainable product is the one you already have
3. Switch to Reusable Bottles and Cups
4. Choose Plastic-Free Packaging
5. Support businesses that care
1. The most sustainable product is the one you already have –
One quick and effective way of not contributing to plastic pollution is to keep using the products you’ve already purchased. Extending the lifetime of previous purchases helps reduce demand for new products that might have single use plastic.
2. Bring Your Own Bags –
Definitely, the simplest way to cut down on plastic use is by bringing your reusable bags when you shop. Whether you’re grocery shopping or picking up a few items, reusable bags can significantly reduce the need for single-use plastic bags.
3. Switch to Reusable Bottles and Cups –
Plastic bottles and disposable coffee cups are major contributors to plastic waste. By opting for a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, you can help reduce the demand for these single-use items and keep countless plastics out of landfills and oceans.
4. Choose Plastic-Free Packaging –
If you think about it, single use plastic from product packaging is the most wasteful and useless thing we consume. We pay for it yet we tear it away and trash it in seconds. All this, when a simple redesign to the product or packaging could mean using more sustainable alternatives. Therefore, whenever possible, select products with minimal or no plastic packaging. This can be as simple as buying fresh produce without plastic wrap, choosing products in glass or paper packaging, and supporting brands that prioritize sustainable packaging solutions.
5. Support businesses that care –
Think of your purchases as a vote of confidence for the brands and businesses doing something to stop plastic pollution. Your purchases encourage the people behind the brands that make your bamboo toothbrush or your plastic free toothpowder, and also support them to keep going, improve their products and work on new sustainable ones. Moreover, you are sending a message to the shop owners that you prefer sustainable products to less sustainable ones which will inform their decisions when restocking.
Take Our Challenge: Swap One Plastic Product
At Rebels with a Cause, we believe that every small action counts. This Plastic Free July, we challenge you to swap out one plastic product you use daily. Whether it’s your plastic toothbrush, food storage containers, or cleaning supplies, there’s always a more sustainable option available. Small changes can lead to big impacts, and your commitment can inspire others to follow suit.
Special Offer: 25% Off with Coupon Code PLASTICFREEJULY25
To support your journey towards a plastic-free lifestyle, we’re offering a special 25% discount on all our sustainable health, wellness, and home goods. Use the coupon code PLASTICFREEJULY25 at checkout on our website to take advantage of this offer and make your eco-friendly transition even more rewarding.