My plastic-free summer started out with a simple challenge: Plastic Free July. I saw it floating around on Instagram and although it looked inspiring, it was also a little intimidating. Plastic-Free July is a global movement designed to raise awareness about the plastic pollution crisis and inspire real, tangible action. I wanted to find a way to enjoy a plastic free summer as a busy mom with two active kids without the pressure to have a beautifully aesthetic zero waste lifestyle. Even though I’m just one person, I know that reducing single-use plastics can have a large impact when done collectively.
Why Should I Care About A Plastic Free Summer?
Did you know more than 380 million tons of plastic are produced every year?! Of that,half of it is single-use (source). This includes grocery bags, coffee cup lids, and takeout containers which are then stuck on Earth for centuries, littering our planet, harming marine life, and breaking down into microplastics that end up in our bodies.
Here are some additional facts that you may not realize:
- 91% of plastic isn’t recycled. It still ends up in landfills or as litter (source).
- Over 1 million animals die each year from plastic pollution (source).
- Microplastics are now found in food, water, as well as human blood, testicles, and brains (source).
- Plastic is made from oil and gas and can take hundreds of years to breakdown (source).
- 4% of global oil and gas is used for plastic production (source).
- Most plastics contain additives that are now raising concerns as we learn more about their toxicity in human bodies and the environment (source).
But don’t let these statistics get you down, I want to empower you to live your best Plastic Free July and beyond!
Here is how to actually have a plastic free summer (without the overwhelm):
First, a mindset shift: we’re not focusing on perfection, but we do need to do better.
Set your mind and your intentions to do your best. This is not a test we are aiming to ace. We want to set up habits to make real, consistent changes, that you can actually do in your everyday life. Your goal here is to DO BETTER, NOT DO IT ALL.
Plastic Benefits: Why do we use so much plastic anyway?
- Plastic is cheap
- Sometimes plastic can be reused
- Plastic performs better than some other materials
- Plastic is light-weight which means low transportation costs
- We use plastic for infrastructure and medical equipment that protect public health
- More reasons why we use so much plastic!
Even though plastic clearly has benefits, we have become dependent on it in a way that is damaging our health and the health of the planet.
Next, you’re going to do a plastic audit to find out how much plastic stuff do you really have?
When anyone calls me out on something I immediately think to myself “I’m not that bad!”. At this point in the conversation, I’m assuming you’re thinking that same thing about your plastic consumption. Considering the fact that almost half your phone is made out of plastic, your phone case is probably made out of plastic and at least one other thing in the room is made of plastic, plastic is literally all around us.
If we want to live a plastic-free summer, we’re going to have to see where the plastic is and decide how to get rid of it. Download your free step by step guide for a plastic audit in your home.
Next, Choose One or Two Swaps to Start
Now that you understand where the plastic is hiding in your home. This is where the action starts. Only choose one or two swaps each week. We’re trying to actually have a plastic free summer without the overwhelm so don’t overcomplicate it.
You can check out my blog of easy zero waste swaps or eco friendly products to help reduce your impact.
Week 1: No Disposable Water Bottles
Use reusable stainless steel or glass bottles instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles. If you’re using a plastic reusable water bottle, you’re going to wan to replace it.
Week 2: Tackle the snacks
If you’re a mom, you know we’re always on the go and the kids are constantly asking for snacks. Now is the time to decide what alternatives you’d like to put in place for snacks in single-use bags and using “ziploc” bags.
Week 3: Swap your sunscreen
Most sunscreens come in plastic tubes and contain chemicals harmful for ocean life. Try to choose a reef-safe sunscreen in plastic free packaging.
Week 4: Bring your own straw and utensils
During the summer, I eat out more! Instead of relying on plastic utensils and straws, make sure to pack your own!
Week 5: Search your area for zero waste stores and farmers markets
Make a little outing out of finding eco spots in your neighborhood. Even if you’re just going to check them out, it’s nice to know what your city offers so you have plastic-free options when it is time to replace items which previously came in plastic – think soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.
Week 6: Try plastic free icecream and popsicles
Instead of individually wrapped ice cream bars or ice cream in a cup, choose a cone! You can also make popsicles at home with reusable silicone molds for a plastic free summer dessert!
Week 7: Swap out some travel essentials
Try to pack a reusable toiletry kit with shampoo bars, tooothpaste tablets, and a bamboo toothbrush instead of single-use plastic travel items.
Week 8: Buy in Bulk
At this point, we’re getting close to the start of the school year, and it is the perfect time to stock your pantry. Buying in bulk can significantly help reduce plastic waste.
Having a plastic free summer isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better choices when you can.
Imagine the impact if millions of us refusing one plastic item every single day.
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