This story was first published in the Kegworth Times back in 2020.
Last year my family took part in Plastic Free July. It was much harder than we expected – plastic is everywhere! But we learned a lot about reducing plastic.
This year Plastic Free July is going to be a lot easier because of all the changes we made last year!
Here are five changes that we can all make.
Get a Keep Cup or sign up to Green Caffeen
It makes me sad when I see grown-ups walking around with disposable coffee cups. Especially when they are sitting near a cafe! It’s pretty easy to get a keep cup (they sell them all over the place!) and if you are really forgetful you can use swap and go cups.
I think that if you’re not using a reusable cup, you should just skip the coffee. You might think that one cup doesn’t matter – but what if everyone said that?
Always carry a shopping bag (or three)
Lots of people remember to take shopping bags with them when they are doing grocery shopping, but plastic bags can still sneak into your house. If you always have a shopping bag on you then you’ll always be able to say “No thanks!” when you are offered a bag. My mum has a fold up shopping bag (or three) at the bottom of her handbag.
Use soap and shampoo bars
Our bathroom used to be full of plastic bottles. But since plastic free July we’ve cut way back. We have been using soap (My favoutite is honey and rose from the health food shop) and shampoo bars. Shampoo bars also take up less room in my swimming bag.
Shop at The Source Bulk Foods
We discovered this shop last July, and it is amazing. You bring your own containers (or you can buy them there) and there is NO PLASTIC AT ALL! You can buy cereal, pasta, flour, dried fruits, lollies, peanut butter, and loads more. It was really fun to fill up the containers.
Say no to plastic
It’s sad when the food you want to buy is wrapped in plastic – but you don’t have to buy it. Try to find something that isn’t wrapped in plastic instead. If enough people change the way they shop then maybe the people selling food will stop using plastic.
