Small swaps. Big impact.
This month, join millions around the world in reducing single-use plastics. Whether it's switching to a reusable bottle, saying no to plastic bags, or trying a shampoo bar — every choice counts.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Go plastic-free, one day at a time. Here is a step by step plan that will help you educate yourself, analyse the need and act accordingly.
Step 1: Understand the Mission
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people reduce their plastic consumption — especially single-use plastics — to create cleaner streets, oceans, and communities.
🌿 Goal: Avoid single-use plastics for the entire month of July (or start with a week/day). Start with a simple swap, carry your own steel straws, whether it is to a coconut stall or to a coffee shop.
Step 2: Audit Your Plastic Footprint
Spend a day observing and listing the plastic you use — bags, wrappers, bottles, straws, packaging, etc.
|
Area |
Examples of Single-Use Plastic |
|
Kitchen |
Cling film, grocery packaging, ziplock bags |
|
Bathroom |
Shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes & brushes, razors |
|
On-the-Go |
Coffee cups, plastic cutlery, takeout containers |
|
Shopping |
Grocery bags, product packaging |
📝 Tip: Take photos or use a tracking app to stay aware. Another swap that you can make is to move towards eco friendly tooth brushes that are made of bamboo and hence bio-degradable.
Step 3: Choose Your Focus
Don’t try to change everything at once. Start with 1–3 changes:
- Swap plastic bottles → refillable stainless steel bottle
- Switch plastic bags → reusable cloth or jute bags
- Trade cling film → beeswax wraps or silicone covers
- Ditch disposable cutlery → carry a bamboo or metal set
Step 4: Set Up Plastic-Free Alternatives
Invest in sustainable swaps early in the month.
Essentials Checklist:
- Reusable shopping + produce bags
- Stainless steel water bottle or tumbler
- Beeswax wrap / reusable food containers
- Bar soaps + shampoo bars
-
Safety razor / refillable toiletries
🎯 Pro Tip: Buy local, package-free, or from sustainable marketplaces
Step 5: Involve Others
Plastic Free July is more fun and impactful when done with others!
- Consider mindful gifts for friends, to get them started on the plastic-free journey.
- Share your swaps and tips on social media (use #PlasticFreeJuly).
- Educate children with plastic-free lunchbox swaps.
📸 Idea: Journal each day and write about your new findings or how you actually feel by getting yourself involved.
Step 6: Educate Yourself
Understand why plastic pollution matters.
Watch:
- A Plastic Ocean (Netflix)
- The Story of Plastic
-
Seaspiracy
Read:
- No. More. Plastic.” by Martin Dorey
-
Plastic Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit by Beth Terry
Step 7: Extend Beyond July
Make Plastic Free July a gateway, not a one-time challenge.
- Subscribe to zero-waste brands
- Support refill stations or bulk stores
-
Replace items only when needed — don't waste existing plastic
🌱 Sustainable success = Progress, not perfection.
Summary Checklist:
✅ Audit plastic use
✅ Pick realistic swaps
✅ Buy or make reusables
✅ Involve others
✅ Learn more
✅ Reflect weekly
✅ Build long-term habits
