Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental issue, with lasting effects on our ecosystem and health. Plastic Free July is a movement that encourages individuals to reduce their plastic impact and make more sustainable choices. In this blog, we will discuss eight ways to reduce plastic consumption and usage to make a positive impact during #PlasticFreeJuly.
1. Carry a Reusable Water Bottle
This one is pretty obvious, but plastic water bottles are one of the leading contributors to plastic waste. By simply carrying a reusable water bottle, you can eliminate the need for single-use plastic bottles. Not only will this significantly reduce plastic waste, but it will also save you money in the long run.
If you're in a pinch, you can also opt to purchase water in non-plastic material. Water is widely available in glass bottles, cartons and even aluminum cans!
2. Bring Your Own Shopping Bags
Plastic bags are also a major contributor to environmental pollution. Many places now require you to purchase plastic bags which is supposed to encourage you to bring your own bags, but this is not often a strong motivator on its own. Make it a habit to carry reusable shopping bags whenever you go grocery shopping or running errands. As soon as you unpack your groceries, take that extra minute or less to throw the bags in the back of your car so you don't forget them on your next grocery trip. By doing so, you can prevent countless plastic bags from ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans.
3. Switch to Plastic-Free Packaging for Personal Care Products
Personal care products primarily come in plastic packaging. Look for alternatives that offer plastic-free packaging, such as Kavella's haircare in aluminum bottles. These options not only reduce plastic waste but also promote eco-friendly and sustainable practices. You can get your shampoo in aluminum bottles, conditioner in aluminum bottles and even hair styling products in aluminum bottles!
4. Choose Fresh Produce and Bulk Items
When shopping for groceries, opt for fresh produce instead of pre-packaged fruits and vegetables. This way, you will avoid unnecessary plastic packaging. You can even bring your own reusable produce bags such as mesh bags, so you don't need to put your produce in those little plastic bags at the grocery store. Some grocery stores have bulk sections where you can bring your own containers and fill them with staples like grains, nuts and other snacks, minimizing the need for plastic packaging.
How about checking out your local farmers market? You can bring your own bags, skip the middleman and put their produce directly into your bags, ensuring no plastic was used and thrown away in between the food grower and you!
5. Say No to Disposable Cutlery and Straws
Disposable cutlery and straws are commonly found in restaurants and takeout joints. Commit to saying no to these single-use items and instead carry your own reusable alternatives. Invest in a set of stainless steel or bamboo cutlery, along with a reusable straw. By doing so, you can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from these items. Get takeout food delivered regularly? You can often put a note in the app. You can ask them not to grab any disposable cutlery for your order.
6. Choose Brands that Use Eco-Friendly Shipping Materials
When purchasing products online, pay attention to the type of packaging they come in. Opt for brands that prioritize eco-friendly packaging materials such as paper, cardboard and compostable peanuts. Avoid products with excessive packaging or those that are wrapped in layers of plastic. Sustainable haircare brand Kavella ships our products in cardboard boxes with kraft paper tape, and we use compostable starch peanuts instead of bubble wrap or styrofoam to cushion your products in shipment.
7. Get Your Hair Done at Green Circle Salons, or Salons that Don't Use Products that Come in Plastic
When we also choose to prioritize businesses that reduce their plastic waste, we are making an impact beyond what we do in our own home. Salons that are part of the Green Circle Salons program are able to reduce their waste by 95%, including recycling hard-to-recycle materials and plastic. You can also choose plastic free salons, which are becoming more popular. These salons carry professional haircare brands that don't come in plastic packaging. Plastic free professional haircare is uncommon, but haircare brands in aluminum like Kavella, or brands in glass, are making an impact!
8. Spread Awareness and Encourage Others
Lastly, participate actively in spreading awareness about the importance of reducing plastic consumption. Post about your #PlasticFreeJuly journey on social media, share informative articles, and engage in discussions with family and friends. Refer your friends to your favorite Kavella products using the referral link in your Rise.ai account! (You can give them $10 and get $10!) Send us a message if you need help locating your link!
By leading by example, you can inspire others to join the cause and make a collective effort towards reducing plastic waste. Reducing plastic consumption may seem like a daunting task, but with small changes in our everyday habits, we can make a significant impact. Let's embrace Plastic Free July as an opportunity to make a positive change for our planet and future generations.
