Lotte participated in Plasticfree July in 2021 and it certainly wasn't plain sailing. At the last minute, she decided to take on the challenge of living completely plastic-free for the month of July. She kept going, despite a few missteps, and now buys much more consciously.
"I will always look for a sustainable and plastic-free alternative first, and if that is efficient and easily accessible, that will always be my preference."
"I would like to give you some tips to help you start Plasticfree July prepared, unlike myself."
Tip 1: Find out in advance where you can find plastic-free packaged food in your area.
Where can you actually find plastic-free packaged food in your area? This is without a doubt the biggest challenge of the Plasticfree July campaign. In traditional supermarkets, there is hardly any plastic-free offering, so you have to look for alternative stores in your area.
In cities, the sustainable trend has been going on for a while and you can now find enough zero waste shops or local vegetable markets. Once you leave the city, that supply becomes scarcer. Fortunately, there are many options online to find plastic-free packaged food. Just think of the Pieter Pot webshop. If you prefer to buy in a physical store, you can always go to BioPlanet.
Tip 2: Don't make it too difficult for yourself: opt for simple zero waste alternatives.
The temptation is great to start Plasticfree July very enthusiastically and go 'all the way', forgetting the possibility of applying simple swaps .
Here are some examples:
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Choose a wooden dishwashing brush instead of a disposable plastic sponge
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Use a reusable soap mop instead of opting for a disposable option every time.
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Always put a linen bag in your bag and say no to a plastic bag in the supermarket.
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Reusable coffee cup or thermos
These rather simple swaps are easiest to use after the month of July. That way you have a lasting impact without any additional effort.
Tip 3: Don't impulsively go to a zero waste shop where you buy everything.
Think carefully in advance about what items you will need and don't be fooled by the nice plastic-free alternatives they offer in the zero waste shop.
Some things you just don't need or can easily be replaced with something in the house.
"The day Plasticfree July started I went to the zero waste shop and spent a huge amount of money on fun, sustainable gadgets. In the end it turned out that I didn't even use half of it.
For example, I bought steel straws; I have never used them. I also bought reusable ear sticks for my boyfriend and myself; these ear sticks turned out to be not very pleasant to use and now also remain untouched in the drawer.
And there are quite a few cleaning sponges in the cupboard that have never been used because I always use the same BRAUZZ. sponge cloth."Thus Lotte.
Conclusion: make a list in advance of things you think you need. Buy consciously and think carefully before you buy something, even if it seems like a good sustainable investment.
Tip 4: Don't be discouraged by one misstep, keep going!
Know that living plastic-free in this consumer society is quite a challenge. Disposable plastic packaging is all around us. Just look around when you walk the streets.
So don't get discouraged if you do buy a meal packaged in plastic or if you forget your reusable coffee cup. That's not a problem as long as you don't get discouraged.
Plasticfree July is about raising awareness of our consumer behavior and its impact on our planet, people and animals. So feel free to make a mistake, don't feel too guilty and continue to take on the challenge!
Are you ready for Plasticfree July?
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