Plastic-Free July in Australia: A Realistic Guide to Embrace the Challenge

Plastic-Free July in Australia: A Realistic Guide to Embrace the Challenge

Did you know over 140 million people participated in Plastic-Free July in 2022? That's a new worldwide record! As we roll into July, it's time to gear up for the fun and impactful challenge that will help you reduce your plastic footprint and build habits to embrace an eco-friendly lifestyle. 

This blog will explore strategies and tips to tackle Plastic-Free July in Australia head-on and realistically. Let's avoid the overwhelm and make this PFJ (Plastic Free July) our best yet! 

What is Plastic Free July?

Let's take it back to the beginning… PFJ is a fun and impactful challenge where people worldwide work to reduce their use of single-use plastics and minimise their waste throughout July. We're talking about saying "See you later, plastic coffee cups, containers & more”, giving high-fives to reusable alternatives, and using what we have before buying new eco-swaps. You can sign up here for the challenge.

How to Participate & Where To Start?

Embrace Reusable Alternatives & Avoiding Waste On The Go:

Australians love their on-the-go lifestyle (hello morning coffee), but it's time to rethink the plastic culture surrounding it. Have you invested yet in a sturdy reusable water bottle, coffee cup, utensils and shopping bag to avoid this daily waste? A simple coffee mug will do too, or better yet, a jar! The same goes for your cutlery; grab it from the kitchen drawer. If needed, we recommend a lightweight stainless steel or bamboo cutlery set that is easy to clean and eco-friendly for enjoying your favourite takeaways or picnics in the park. Looking for on-the-go eco essentials? We've made it easy for you, right this way! 

Shopping Locally & Bulk Buying:

Support local businesses and farmers' markets that promote sustainable practices. By shopping locally, you reduce your reliance on plastic-packaged products that travel long distances. Explore the vibrant markets and discover fresh, unpackaged produce, organic goodies, and unique homemade products while connecting with your community. 

Also, finding stores offering bulk buying options for pantry staples like Raw Bulk Foods or The Source Bulk Foods, two of our go-to's for grains, nuts, cereals and snacks is a great way to reduce waste. Bring your reusable containers to stock up on these items, reducing the need for excess plastic packaging. Not only will you save the environment, but you might also save some money along the way!

Wait to throw away your plastic products!

It's important not to throw away existing plastic products when going plastic-free because it contributes to additional waste and environmental impact. Instead, we should strive to reuse, repurpose, or recycle the plastic items we already have to minimise our overall impact on the planet. Then when you're ready to make the swap, we are here to help in all areas of your home and lifestyle, including your pets!

We also help you recycle your hard to dispose of plastics and other items so that you can earn vouchers to spend on eco-friendly alternatives, more info on that here!

Spread the Word:

One person's actions can inspire many. Share your Plastic-Free July journey on social media using the hashtag #PlasticFreeJulyAustralia. Connect with like-minded individuals, join local eco-groups, and spark conversations about the importance of reducing plastic waste. Together, we can create a powerful wave of change!

Our Top 5 Tips For Avoiding The Overwhelm! 

1. Trying to eliminate too much at once: Trying to eliminate all plastic from your life overnight is not realistic. It's important to start small, set realistic goals, and gradually make sustainable changes.
2. Plan ahead: Lack of preparation can make avoiding plastic in everyday situations difficult. Forgetting to bring reusable bags, water bottles, or containers can lead to relying on single-use plastic alternatives. Planning and keeping reusable items with you can help prevent this.
3. Relying too heavily on recycling: Recycling is not a perfect solution, and not all plastic items are easily recyclable. Depending solely on recycling can give a false sense of sustainability. It's better to prioritize reducing and reusing items before considering recycling as a last resort.
4. Pursuing perfection instead of progress: Going completely plastic-free is not be feasible. Striving for perfection can discourage you when you encounter challenges or slip-ups. Instead, focus on progress and making sustainable choices whenever possible, knowing that every small step counts.
5. Community & Support: Transitioning to a plastic-free lifestyle can be easier when you have a support system. Engaging with like-minded individuals, joining local sustainability groups, or participating in initiatives like Plastic Free July can provide guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community. Follow us for daily inspiration and learn about swaps.

Plastic-Free July in Australia is an exciting opportunity to challenge ourselves and make a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution. By embracing reusable alternatives, being gentle with ourselves, and making small but impactful changes to our daily routines, we can tackle this challenge with ease! 

Remember, we share plenty of valuable resources on our social media here and always appreciate your questions, so be sure to contact us anytime! We also share some helpful blogs and Happy Earth News here that help boost your eco-spirit should you ever need them.

We are right here with you. Thank you for being a part of this mission with us! 

Let's do this! 

Much love, 

GFZ Team xoxo