We're over half way through the year which means Plastic Free July is here again.
If you've already got a reusable cup and you bring your own bags to the shops (most of the time...) you might be wondering what else you can do when this time of year rolls around. We've compiled a list of resources to help you continue your Plastic Free journey, beyond the basics.
1. Attend a free, virtual Plastic Free July workshop.
There are many Plastic Free online workshops happening this month, including:
Plastic Free Living & Beeswax Wraps Workshop
When & where: Saturday 17th July, 10am, online (register here)
Margaret Mossakowska from Moss House will teach you about alternatives to single-use plastics and show you how to make your own beeswax wraps.
Plastic Free Baby with Veronica Milsom
When & where: Tuesday 20th July, 7pm, @plasticfreejuly Instagram Live
Listen to Veronica share tips and tricks she learnt while raising a newborn and trying to minimise plastic waste.
Plastic Free Living
When & where: Wednesday July 21st, 7pm, online (register here) & Friday July 30th, 1pm, online (register here)
This is a chance for all community members to jump online, learn about transitioning to plastic free living and ask a range of questions on plastic waste.
Plastic Free Periods
When & where: Thursday 22nd July, 9pm, online (register here)
Many people find that going plastic free on your period is easy, cost effective and comfortable! Learn about the different options available, hear real life experiences about using them and discuss pros and cons of each. Plus, get info about why going plastic free is a good idea - for your body and the planet.
2. Lead by example
[Photo by Goran Ivos on Unsplash]
No one likes a Plastic Free Preacher, as a lot of Zero Waste Warriors have probably learnt firsthand. It doesn't matter how many times you tell your housemate or family member to put the bread bag in the soft plastics bin, the message always seems to go in one ear and out the other.
One of the most effective ways to engage your friends, family and colleagues in the Plastic Free cause is to lead by example. Behavioural change takes time. Even the most devout Zero Wasters have a history using single use plastics. Can you remember what inspired you to start reducing your waste? If you quietly go about your day armed with your reusables, you never know who you might inspire.
Plus, focusing on what you can do instead of what everyone else isn't doing will help you feel a lot more hopeful and empowered, and prevent eco-anxiety and burnout.
3. Host a Plastic Free morning tea or picnic
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
A fantastic way to lead by example and get your friends, family and community involved in the Plastic Free cause is to host a morning tea or picnic, and demonstrate first-hand how to run small-scale events minus the plastic.
Find the Plastic Free Morning Tea downloadable guide, invitations and posters here.
4. Run a beach or park clean up
[Photo by John Cameron on Unsplash]
Get together a group of like-minded people by asking friends, family and colleagues, posting in local community Facebook groups, or creating your own Facebook event. It's a good idea to run your Clean Up by the council first, because in some areas you need approval before it goes ahead.
5. Find your local bulk foods store in Melbourne
[Photo by Jasmin Sessler on Unsplash]
Check out this map to find the closest bulk food store to where you live.
6. Pick your own fruit near Melbourne
[Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash]
Check out the different locations near Melbourne where you can pick your own fruit by looking at this map.
7. Discover reusable and plastic-free alternatives for everyday products
These products will be your tools to help you further reduce your waste.
Bathroom
Shop plastic free dental floss
Kitchen
Out and about
Shop organic cotton produce bags
