PLASTIC FREE JULY - RECAP

We are at the start of August and the end of July, better known as ‘Plastic Free July’.

Congratulations to those who went July without plastic, and to those that have given it a red-hot-go. 

In 2011, Australian woman/scientist/environmentalist/legend Rebecca Prince-Ruiz started Plastic Free July. Working in Perth with local government group ‘Earth Carers’, Rebecca was destined to visit a recycling facility that would change her relationship with plastic forever. She decided after this visit to cut out all single use plastics for the following month, which would be July. Around 40 of her friends and colleagues joined her. 

By 2015 over 36,000 people from 90 countries around the world were participating. The idea turned campaign continued to grow and in 2017 Rebecca established the ‘Plastic Free Foundation Ltd.’ In 2018, 120 million people from 177 countries took part in the July campaign which would contribute to saving 490 million kgs of plastic each year.

Here are 5 reasons that you should carry on your being plastic free past July. 

1) They say it takes 21 days to break a habit right? Well July was 31 days, so you’re already a step ahead into living a more conscious lifestyle. (If you haven't been involved in Plastic Free July, there is no harm in trying Plastic Free August.)

2) The Environment. Obviously plastic pollution is a huge problem in more ways than one. Its choking our land, oceans, wildlife and eventually us if we don’t do something about it. Going plastic free not only directly reduces your waste, but also encourages family, friends, and strangers to reduce theirs. Above, you heard about how much plastic waste is saved in just 1 month by those committing to PFJ. Imagine the effect if you lived plastic free for 12 months of a year instead of 1. 

3) Convenience. The time saved by practising a plastic free lifestyle is undeniable. Whether your time is being saved from wandering around the Woolies aisles for an hour trying to figure out what brand of rice you’d like, or simply dealing with the waste you’ve created. Living plastic free can be more difficult in the short term, but overall easier in the long-term, not to mention how rewarding it is. 

4) Save Money. Packaging costs $$$. At outlets where you can buy in bulk (things like flour, rice, salt, herbs, oil) often their products are cheaper, and of better quality. Also, due to bringing your own bags and containers; often trips to the grocery store are planned, and you don’t end up buying a lot of tangibles you don’t need. There may be an upfront cost to replacing your household objects to more sustainable kinds, but in the long run you will save - look at Glad Wrap VS Beeswax Wraps for example.

5) Health Benefits. Physical and mental health benefits occur from going plastic free. One thing that doesn’t go unnoticed when attempting the plastic free lifestyle is your sudden change in diet. Because of packaging, you are forced to buy more fresh fruit and vegetables and lessen your consumption of sugar. You might find you become more organised and focused on my own life/health, and although it takes some planning, it’s well worth it. 

Here are some links to some of our fave businesses that can help you transition to a plastic free lifestyle:

https://www.floraandfauna.com.au

Also come in and check out BLAEK Store's plastic free alternatives today!

If you would like to learn more about the Plastic Free Foundation head over to their website.

And if you would like to donate to the PFJ movement to help create a world without plastic waste, head HERE on the PFJ website.