Plastic Free July: Common Myths & Zero Waste Swaps You Don’t Need
Plastic Free July is a global movement led by the Plastic Free Foundation that helps millions of people reframe the way that they consume plastic. It’s a challenge in which participants cut single-use plastics from their everyday lives for a week, a month, or even from here on out. This challenge teaches individuals to be more mindful of how prevalent plastic is in our society and what they, as individuals, can do to make an impact.
This will be my first Plastic Free July and to start, I’d like to remind the audience here (and myself) that despite what the media shows, plastic-free living does not have to look a certain way.
This blog post will address several myths about plastic-free living and also some plastic-free swaps that you don’t need.
Common Misconceptions About Plastic Free Living:
1. You Have To Get Rid Of Your Old Plastic
A lot of people just starting on their sustainable fashion journey have this idea that in order to build a more sustainable wardrobe, they have to get rid of all their fast fashion. This is a myth.
Similarly, to live a more plastic-free lifestyle, you do not have to get rid of all your old plastic.
Remember that the idea here is to use what you own for as long as you can, and then slowly replace worn-out items with mindful purchases. The first step of living more sustainably is to reduce whatever it is that you’re consuming.
2. You Have To Go 100% Plastic-Free
Sure, maybe that’s what we’re working towards but everyone’s journey looks different. Maybe this month, you’re simply trying to eliminate single-use utensils. Maybe next month, you add takeout containers to that. Plastic-free living is a slow transition and as long as you’re taking small steps forward in the right direction, you’re doing great.
3. Plastic-Free Living Means A Massive Lifestyle Shift
Taking that initial step towards plastic-free living can be overwhelming. There’s so much information out there and plastic is deeply integrated with how our society functions. Though this is the case, it’s important to remember that reducing plastic use can come in small changes over time. Again, this builds off the same concept mentioned in myth number 2 but with a little preparation and a lot of mindfulness, reducing plastic use will come in due time.
4. Plastic-Free Living Means Fitting All Your Waste Into A Mason Jar
We’ve all seen it--those zero wasters that fit an entire year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar. Despite the fact that it might create an inspirational image for some, it absolutely isn't representative of plastic-free living for most people.
5. A Plastic-Free Lifestyle Is Too Expensive
Plastic-free living doesn’t have to be expensive. You don’t need the latest tools and gadgets to reduce your plastic consumption--just a few of the basics and some preparation will be enough.
Plastic-Free Swaps That You Don’t Need
Building off that last myth, plastic-free living does not have to be expensive. I’ve said this a million times, but you cannot buy your way to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Here are some common plastic free swaps that you DON’T need and some household items that you can use instead.
1. Mason Jars
Fancy and uniform mason jars might be a pretty aesthetic and might save you room on the shelf, but realistically, you can just reuse old jars from sauces or jams that you’ve emptied.
2. Fancy Grocery Bag
Net bags are super cute but random reusable totes or bags work just fine. Remember that swag bag you got back when college started?
3. Beeswax Wraps
I will say that this swap is actually really helpful but in a pinch, you can use another plate or bowl as a cover. Old takeout containers or Tupperware can also be used to store food. For taking food on the go, cloth napkins are a simple alternative.
4. Reusable Makeup Pad
A washcloth or even an old shirt works just fine!
5. Reusable Paper Towels
I know this seems a little silly but there are people that actually purchase reusable paper towels or kitchen towels! An easy swap for this is to just use an old washcloth or an old t-shirt to wipe up spills or dry your towels.
Here’s to an insightful Plastic Free July! What are some myths about plastic-free living that I missed? What are some swaps that we absolutely do not need to buy?
