Plastic-Free July for Beginners: Start With These Simple Changes

O beautiful for spacious clean skies, for plastic-free blue waves, for majestic reusable items, and an eco-friendly USA!

A lot has changed in the USA during these past 250 years. The demographic and population, the transition from industrial to digital, civil rights such as the abolition of slavery and women's right to vote, and dramatic environmental changes. Although it is said that change is inevitable, it isn't always for the best. Who would've thought 250 years ago that humans would pollute the planet with over 57 million tons of plastic?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced every year, of which 20 million metric tons of plastic litter end up in the environment every year. Based on a publication by The University of Michigan, 30% of all plastics ever produced are still in use, while the remaining 70% have been discarded to landfills or are floating loose in the environment. It is estimated that only 10% of plastic is successfully recycled. If you're asking yourself, "how can I help", then you're in the right place.

Starting this month, the month that marks our Independence as a nation, let us pledge our independence from plastic. Let's do our best to reduce plastic waste and to avoid buying or using plastic when possible.

We can begin our plastic-free journey with budget-friendly swaps in our very own home.

When we think of Summer, our minds likely go to 90-degree weather and fun outdoor activities. Pool parties, BBQ, picknicks, beach days, etc. It's only natural that we don't want to use our porcelain, ceramic, or glassware for these events. So, how do we plan for outdoor events and just everyday life without the use of plastic? The kitchen is a popular area for both reusable plastic and single-use plastic. For instance: garbage bags, food covers, food containers, bottles, cleaning supplies, and single-use dining ware. All these items can be easily replaced with sustainable non-plastic and compostable alternatives. Here are some alternatives we can try:

• Compostable Dinnerware for outdoor dining (plates, cutlery, cups, straws).

• Compostable Garbage Bags that are strong and leak-proof.

• Beeswax Wrapping Paper that is reusable and can replace saran wrap.

• Reusable Sandwich Bags that come in different sizes and are dishwasher safe.

• Glass Food Containers that are microwave safe and stack easily.

• Glass Water Bottles for water and juices to replace plastic bottles.

• Eco-Friendly Liquid Dish Soap that's in a cardboard carton and is cruelty free.

• Eco-Friendly Dishwasher Pods that are plastic and toxic free.

• Bamboo Brush Set to clean your dishes.

• Reusable Grocery Bags that are made from fabric, but there are also insolated bags for temperature sensitive items.

After a steamy day outdoors, our clothes are definitely going straight into the laundry hamper. One can only hope that there isn't an unexpected surprise stain on any of our garments. But accidents do happen every now and then, so our laundry room has to be stocked with powerful yet kind products. Thankfully, the laundry room is not excessively packed with plastic items. With heartfelt gratitude, I present plastic-free alternatives that are also entirely cruelty-free. This means we can proceed with these options without any guilt weighing on our conscience or on our finances.

• ECOS Laundry Detergent Sheets are perfect for those with sensitive skin and are easily stackable. For large laundry loads, 2 sheets are all you need.

• GROVE Co. Fabric Softener is packaged in cardboard and is the definition of less is more.

• GROVE Co. Stain Remover Spray is that treatment before the wash to help fight and lift unwanted stains.

• ASPEN Clean Oxi-Bleach Powder is the perfect alternative to Oxi Clean. This product is a must in my home since stains are my ultimate laundry pet peeve.

• ASPEN Clean Scent Boost for items that need a little extra aroma therapy that don't require fabric softer (such as fluffy blankets).

July weather can be a little unpredictable; sunny with a chance of showers. Have you ever enjoyed standing carefree in a refreshing downpour or danced in a light drizzle? I invite you to try it and then, of course, go back inside for a warm and relaxing shower. Let's find eco-friendly products to clean and polish our bodies with plastic-free alternatives that can benefit both sexes.

• Toothpaste & Mouthwash Tablets are just as effective for our oral care without the plastic.

• Bamboo Dental Floss Picks are easy to use and fit perfectly in any little clutch.

• Bamboo Ear Swabs are sturdy, won't bend, and get the job done.

• Shampoo & Conditioner Bars are available for every hair type and scalp needs.

• Bamboo Toothbrushes are perfect for everyday use, traveling, and gifting.

• Sonic Toothbrush with UV Travel Case that has long-lasting battery life and is completely plastic-free.

• Bamboo Toilet Paper is packaged in cardboard and there is no plastic wrap involved.

• Hand Soap that smells like the season and doesn't strip your skin.

• Bodywash Bar to cleanse and hydrate your entire body with vegan ingredients.

• Shaving Razor that is cruelty free, vegan, and completely plastic-free.

• Shaving Butter Bar to nourish the skin while shaving with vegan ingredients.

• Reusable Feminine Products such as pads, a menstrual cup, and leakproof underwear are great alternatives for reducing plastic in your everyday and/or monthly life.

Quick question: are you reading this on your smart phone or computer? If smart phone was your answer, then it is likely you are holding the very last plastic item I would recommend replacing. When it's time get a new phone case, I highly recommend looking into a PELA Compostable Phone Case. PELA Cases are available for iPhone, Samsung, and Google phones. They are eco-friendly and flexible, yet incredibly strong to protect your phone against falls. I have personally used PELA Case for my phone a couple of years ago and it did not disappoint.

Wow! Did you even know there were so many plastic-free alternatives for the items we use every day? Now that we have all of these budget-friendly swaps, we can breathe easily this month and do our best to stay true to our Plastic-Free July pledge. This pledge doesn't mean throwing out every plastic item we have, such as plastic food containers - definitely not since we don't want to be wasteful. But if you do need to dispose of some single-use plastic, try using Ridwell - they collect plastic and properly recycle it. Together, we can make a difference and keep our planet clean and plastic-free for future generations to enjoy and protect.

Sending you an eco-friendly hug!

Mrs. Ladybug