Photo by by RikaC from Pixabay
Every July is the opportunity to recognize our addiction to and need to reduce the use of plastic in our lives. According to Plastic Oceans, 300 million tons of plastic is produced a year. Eight million of that 300 million is chucked into the sea annually — equivalent to dumping a 1-ton garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. And according to Plastic Pollution Coalition, six times more plastic waste is burned in the U.S than recycled.
One organization has been taking on the plastic challenge. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, “so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities”.
You Can Go Plastic-Free in July
Realty Sage’s Founder, Kari Klaus, took the plastic-free July challenge and shared her five tips for going plastic free with a little bit of humor in this video.
Favorite Reusable Products to Go Plastic-Free
And if you’re willing to explore some of the amazing substitutes for everyday plastic products that are in the video, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few links to the products mentioned in the video, and also remember to search for used or free products in online groups and listservs.
1. Bamboo utensils. I like the UPTRUST two-set bamboo utensils because they comes with stainless steel straws and a carrying pouch.
2. Reusable produce bags allow you to skip the plastic at the grocery store. Ecowaare’s set gives you 15 bags for $10.
3. Ceramic soup bowls can double as giant coffee mugs. I like the DOWAN soup bowl for its double handle and fun colors begging for French onion soup.
4. Beautiful summer glassware can be like jewels on your table. Whole Housewares has a lovely diamond-cut look, or try NOVICA’s recycled glass confetti-rim glasses.
5. Bamboo toothbrushes have come a long way, even incorporating charcoal bristles. Isshah hooks it up with a four-pack.
Enjoy and happy Plastic-Free July. What are your tips for going plastic-free this July and every month? I’d love to see your comments below.
Kari Klausis the founder of RealtySage.com, a data-driven real estate platform which overlays sustainability intelligence onto home listings. Read all of her MOTHER EARTH NEWS postshere.
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