If you have not yet joined the zero-waste movement, now is a great time to start. For the entire month of July, people all over the world will take part in Plastic Free July, a global challenge to reduce personal consumption of single-use plastic.
Plastic is taking over our planet, and it is happening breakneck pace. Almost half of the plastic ever manufactured has been made in the past 15 years. Eight billion pounds of plastic finds its way to the ocean each year. At our current rate of plastic production, consumption, and disposal, the oceans will contain more plastic then fish by 2050!
So, what can we do to stop this plastic consumption? I believe that action, even by a few people can make a difference. I decided to take the Plastic Free July Challenge again this year. I participated in the Challenge for the past two years, and it has really made me look at how much plastic that I (and my family) use each day. It may be impossible to get rid of all the plastic in your life. But if you can eliminate just 10% each day, think of what a difference it will make.
Simple ways to remove plastic from daily life:
· Bring your travel mug to the coffee shop, if you’re getting a cup to go
· Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere
· Use reusable Produce Bags at the grocery store or farmers’ market. Check out our Be Mindful Reusable Produce Bags.
· Avoid plastic packaging – bring your own containers to the deli counter at the grocery store
· Create your own home cleaning products using the glass jars you’ve saved after using
· Create your own reusable travel kits
Plastic characterizes our consumer, throw-away culture. It represents the kind of thinking (and action) that has led to our current environmental crisis.
We’re addicted to convenience, much of which plastic makes possible. If everyone moderates their consumption, we can move toward sustainability.
Take the plastic free challenge with me this month and send us your ideas about how to use less plastic!