Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
The good news is anyone can get involved. You can start out small, or really challenge yourself. Check out these ideas to reduce plastic waste:
Join the conversation
Join Susie Crick, a passionate advocate who dedicates her life to looking after the health of our oceans, for a free Plastic and our Oceans Talk at Wollongong Library on 12 July 2023.
Susie will share her marine conservation journey and her focus on plastic waste, over the past 30 years to show how far we have come and how far still to go. She will challenge you to re-think the way you accept and use plastic. You’ll also learn how to make your own beeswax wraps!
Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
Get buzzy with beeswax wraps
Come along to our free workshop at Dapto Library on 15 July and learn to make your own beeswax wraps. You’ll also take home a DIY kit to make more at home!
Plastic bags are out and paper bags, wax proof paper and beeswax wraps are in! We’re encouraging community members to take the initiative and say no to single-use plastic produce bags and instead opt for a reusable option.
Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
Ditch the plastic bags
Now that the major supermarkets have removed single-use plastic bags (yay!) most of us are getting used to reusable shopping bags. It’s easy to keep up the good work and remove plastic bags from other parts of your life:
- Line your bin with old newspapers, paper bags, empty cereal bags, bread bags or pasta/rice bags.
- Try composting or worm farming so you need fewer bin liners.
- Use cloth or mesh bags for fresh produce instead of grabbing plastic ones in-store.
- Take your own containers to the butcher, deli or fish market.
Free your fruit and veg
Buying plastic-wrapped or packaged fruits and vegetables can be convenient, but unfortunately it creates plastic waste. Instead, consider looking 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.
Choosing lightweight, reusable produce bags instead of the single-use plastic bags that are usually provided. Be sure to look for ones made from recycled plastic or repurposed netting fabric. Many stores offer cardboard boxes as alternatives as well.
It’s also worth asking if you really need a bag at all. For example, if you’re buying a bunch of bananas, consider keeping them loose in your shopping basket or trolley and transport them home in your reusable shopping bag?
Party without balloons and plastic decorations
Swapping balloons and other single-use plastic party decorations for reusable and eco alternatives is the way to celebrate in style without having a devastating impact on the environment.
With a little bit of creativity, 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.
Find more great party ideas here.
But wait, there’s more…
Plastic Free July have a stack of big and small ideas and resources to help you reduce plastic waste. Check out their website and pledge to go plastic free this July.
