Plastic Free July is a worldwide initiative aimed at reducing use of single use-plastics and protecting our environment.

This year, we’re encouraging our community to adopt a back-to-basics approach and re-focus on developing plastic-minimising habits forever. By avoiding just one single-use plastic item, you’ll not only feel good, but help protect our precious local beaches, waterways and oceans. 

Here are 10 tips to make following Plastic Free July easier than ever: 

1. Swap out single use coffee cups for BYO re-useable cups or sign up for a swap and go system.  Watch this video for other reusable cup ideas
2. Forget single-use water bottles, BYO and fill up or drink from over 230 bubblers around the Beaches. Our bubblers dispense water equivalent to millions of single used bottles each year. Find one near you.
3. Ditch plastic food wrap and swap for reusable containers or wax wraps.  Learn how to make your own bees wax wraps.
4. BYO reusable containers for takeaway or packed lunches. Buy reusable food containers made locally and get inspired to make your own plastic free lunch in this video.
5. Avoid pre-packed fruit and veggies or putting loose items into single use plastic bags; paper mushroom bags or BYO reusable produce bags are a great alternative.
6. Store bought meat and fish often comes in pre-packed plastic trays. Choose a deli option or or buy direct from local butchers or fishmongers, and either BYO containers or ask for your items to be wrapped in paper.
7. Bring your clean white polystyrene appliance/furniture packaging to our next collection on 28 July at Kimbriki.
8. For those with bubs, why not give reusable nappies a go.  Watch this video and see that it’s easier than you think. 
9. Ditch juice poppers with plastic straws, and swap for BYO drinks and metal straws.  If this local school can do it with hundreds of students, you can too.  
10. Choose bar soaps and shampoos over liquid containers; even reusable cleaning brands rely on single-use plastic pouches for top ups! Bars may seem old fashioned but what’s old is new again!

Plastic Free July is also a perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of plastic-free adopters, and there are many resources to support you. 

As plastic waste grows, it’s more important than ever for all of us to do our bit to reduce use of single-use plastics and stop them impacting human, animal and environmental health.

Learn more about Plastic Free July.