This year for the first time we are joining the international campaign Plastic Free July 2017 and we hope to help reduce plastic consumption and learn how to do it!
At first glance it seems simple, especially talking about giving up plastic. However, the practical application of the requirements is more difficult and challenging. From the first days of the campaign, when I entered the supermarket I understood that practically all products are packed in plastic. The challenge has become even greater, what do we do, what do we procure, where do we choose from?
This campaign is for those who want a change, take care of their health, that of their children, want a cleaner environment and are aware of the danger of global warming, which by the way is already being felt.
The important thing is not to ignore the action because of the lack of alternatives. From the beginning I mention that it is possible, and the experience of many people who have successfully passed this challenge and who have changed their way of consumption beyond the month of July confirms this.
We certainly won't be able to completely eliminate plastic, at least not at this stage. Instead, we can start acting differently, more eco-friendly and less polluting. If you still cannot eliminate all plastic products from your household or organization, the case is not lost, as long as you decide to give up at least one plastic product, especially the single-use one.
This time I decided to present some recommendations to ease the challenge. I hope they are useful and inspire you to try them. I mention that first of all we try to exclude the consumption of single-use plastic products that can be easily replaced by reusable alternatives:
1. The challenge is even greater in July, when the summer heat always makes you think of a plastic water bottle, which as soon as it is consumed, is thrown in the trash.
The ALTERNATIVE is simple, which is to equip yourself with a reusable water bottle or reuse an old bottle that you already have. You can get reusable bottles commercially.
2. An American coffee cup or a latte is the option of many consumers, who have already turned into a habit of purchasing at least 1-2 disposable coffee cups. As an example, in the UK fish are used daily 7 million disposable coffee cups, and most of them cannot be recycled. I'm sure that most of those who buy this kind of coffee at specialized coffee shops in the country didn't even think that these apparently disposable paper cups can't be recycled, being non-biodegradable.
The ALTERNATIVE is to start with a brings you your own reusable coffee cup that you can carry in your bag. You can buy reusable stainless steel, glass and ceramic coffee mugs, or you can just repurpose an old glass jar or even bring your own mug. I recommend to those who can afford to purchase comfortable reusable models with varied designs online, given the fact that they are not often found here.
3. Every day we go shopping and choose a few plastic bags. Some of us throw them in the trash from the start, others collect these bags by making a collection, reusing some of them that end up being thrown in the trash anyway. Later they end up stored in the landfill or thrown into the waters, needing up to 400-500 years to decompose.
ALTERNATIVE are reusable bags. There really is no excuse not to use them as long as they are made with love by beautiful people who love nature or children. They can be customized as desired and look stylish on the shoulder of each of us. You can always carry it in your bag, in the car, or you can put it by the door to avoid the excuse "I forgot it, please give me a plastic bag!".
4. Another plastic waste produced in enormous quantities and thrown away after the first use is the STRAW. Yes, this small object and often colored to attract even more attention especially of children, is useless. In his case, there really wouldn't be an excuse. It is enough to stop using it, you do not lose anything, the taste of the drink will remain unchanged.
ALTERNATIVE if you still insist on using it occasionally, know that it exists. In this case, you can choose straws made from recyclable materials such as reusable stainless steel, glass or bamboo.
I want to mention that Plastic Free July 2017 it does not mean to procure a series of new products, that is not the goal. It is certain that you can meet the challenge with what you have (cardboard boxes, glass jars and cloth or used clothes to make reusable bags that can be found in every household). Somewhat if you decide to purchase something new and useful for individual consumption and that makes it easier to give up plastic then it is welcome.
Yes, and don't forget that change takes time and new habits don't happen overnight. There will be various situations, many question marks and hesitations. Don't give up and don't forget that even the smallest bit of giving up plastic adds up to the bottom line – LESS PLASTIC CONSUMED AND A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT!