As July comes to an end, so does Plastic Free July; but the journey to reduce plastic doesn’t have to stop here.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, families, schools, and businesses to refuse single-use plastics for one month. The goal is simple: to raise awareness about plastic pollution, and to inspire long-term, sustainable habits that reduce our environmental footprint.
But beyond the bins and reusable bottles lies a much bigger story. 🌎
Why Plastic Free July Is More Important Than Ever
We’re now seeing the visible effects of climate change across the world; record-breaking heatwaves, flooding, wildfires, and rising sea levels. While the climate crisis is complex, plastic production and pollution are a significant part of the problem.
🔹 Plastic is made from fossil fuels — the same sources driving climate change.
🔹 Single-use plastics take hundreds of years to break down, polluting ecosystems and harming wildlife.
🔹 Microplastics are now in our oceans, food, and even our bodies.
The time to act is now and Plastic Free July is a powerful place to start.
Beyond July: Building Habits That Last
The most impactful part of Plastic Free July isn’t just the month itself; it’s what comes after. By making small, consistent changes to our daily routines, we build habits that are better for our health, our planet, and future generations.
So how do we take what we’ve learned and carry it into the rest of the year?
👣 Keep things simple.
🎯 Focus on progress, not perfection.
💬 Share your journey with others, conversations spark change.
And if you have kids, getting them involved early is one of the best ways to raise eco-conscious citizens of the future.
🧒 5 Easy Plastic-Free Swaps for Kids (For July and Beyond!)
Here are five kid-friendly swaps that are fun, easy, and great for starting conversations about waste and sustainability:
1. 🎒 Swap Plastic Lunch Wraps for Reusable Alternatives
Use beeswax wraps, silicone pouches, or stainless steel containers instead of cling film or sandwich bags.
2. 🧃 Ditch Plastic Juice Boxes
Go for reusable drink bottles and fill them with homemade juice, water, or milk. Bonus: it's healthier and saves money.
3. 🍭 Choose Plastic-Free Snacks
Pick snacks in bulk or cardboard packaging, or make your own at home; think popcorn, granola bars, or fruit slices in reusable containers.
4. 🪥 Use Bamboo Toothbrushes
A simple swap that makes a big impact. Most kids' toothbrushes are plastic, but bamboo ones are biodegradable and come in fun colours too.
5. 🧼 Try Bar Soap and Shampoo Bars
Many brands make gentle, kid-friendly bar soaps and shampoos that are completely plastic-free, and they last longer too!
💬 Your Turn: What’s One Plastic-Free Swap You Could Stick With All Year?
Whether you’ve tried one change or many, the key is to keep going. Change doesn’t happen overnight, it’s the small steps that build momentum.
🌱 Let’s keep the Plastic Free July spirit alive through the rest of the year, one swap at a time.
#PlasticFreeJuly #EcoKids #PlasticFreeParenting #Sustainability #ClimateAction #PlasticPollution #WasteFreeLiving #GreenFamilies
0 comments