Plastic Free July is here!! Will you join me and attempt to go Plastic Free for the whole month of July? I certainly hadn’t realized just how much plastic there was in my everyday life until I started to look around. I won’t lie… this is a difficult task but together we can do this. If we all figure out how to give up one thing, we can then move on to reducing the next plastic item and the next and so on. I’m trying to say “so long” to plastic. Are you with me? Don’t forget- perfection is not the aim. It’s about creating consistent habits. I know the idea of going plastic free for a month seems overwhelming but remember, it’s OK to try and fail. Just try again the next day!
For a little background, Plastic Free is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution by raising awareness of how much single use plastic we use every day. Last year, over 150 million people committed to Plastic Free July. The less plastic we use, the cleaner our streets, neighborhoods, parks and oceans will be. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Tell your friends and family you are trying to go Plastic Free. Who knows, it might encourage them and it will help keep you on track.
- Get your reusable items ready such as coffee cups, water bottles, straws, shopping bags, etc. Keep them in a handy place so you will have them when needed.
- Now that summer is here, try purchasing your produce at a Farmer’s Market near you where items are not wrapped in plastic and you can select what you like. In Erie, PA, stop by the Sisters of St. Joseph 2019 Little Italy Farmers Market.
- Try planting your own vege and herb garden. There’s nothing like picking something fresh out your garden for dinner!
- While you are at it, start a compost bin to help that garden grow.
- Check where you live for regulations to make sure you are recycling correctly.
- Use alternatives to plastic cling wrap such as beeswax covered cloth which can be composted when it is no longer useful.
I hope you will consider joining the Plastic Free July movement and even after July continue to strive to be Plastic Free!
