Are you looking for ways to be part of the solution to plastic pollution? This July, join us and millions of people worldwide reducing their plastic waste by choosing to refuse single-use plastic For Plastic Free July. As we get into the peak month of Summer, more people are outdoors than any other time of the year. While fresh air and sunshine is good for us all, sometimes (sadly) it’s Mother Nature that takes the hit. And one of the most detrimental materials to the environment are plastics. Plastics, especially microplastics, end up everywhere. The Plastic Free July campaign is the movement that is making the difference! Read below to find out what you can do to help this July, Summer and every other month of the year!

Why is it Important?

Plastic pollution is a serious threat to our environment, human health and climate. From our oceans to the food we eat and even within our bodies, plastic is found everywhere at increasingly alarming amounts. Every day, 2,000 garbage trucks’ worth of plastic pollutes our oceans, rivers and lakes, endangering marine life and ecosystems. Microplastics have even been detected in nearly every part of the human body, including blood, brain, lungs, testicles and breast milk.

What’s more, 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases throughout its life cycle. If plastic were a country, it would rank as the fifth-largest greenhouse gas emitter. In the past 70 years, plastic production has surged by over 22,000%.

• Plastic production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons in 2015, and production is expected to double again by 2050.
• About 60% of the plastic produced ends up leaked or dumped into the environment.
• About 44% of plastic produced is for single-use plastic packaging: plastic that is used once and then disposed of.
• Only 9% of annual plastic waste is recycled and there are many technical and financial barriers that make it hard to recycle plastics. More emphasis needs to be placed on reduction and non-toxic reuse.

         

Taking the Plastic Free Pledge

This year’s Plastic Free July campaign focuses on small changes each of us can make to reduce plastic waste under the slogan “Small steps, big difference”. Each year millions of Plastic Free July participants from over 190 countries worldwide are together making a big difference by choosing to refuse single-use plastic.

An astonishing 10 billion kgs of household waste has been avoided by participants over the last five year because millions of people choose to make a change for cleaner streets, healthy oceans,  and beautiful communities or just to do the right thing.
Choose one single-use plastic to avoid or take the pledge to avoid single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, or plastic food wrap. These “Top 3” items are single-use plastic items we commonly use each day that most of us can be easily replaced by:

• Refilling reusable water bottles from the tap
• Bringing a reusable cup or sitting and enjoy a real cup
• Switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps.

Ideas and Solutions

Want some tips to find out how you can reduce plastic waste? The good news is, anyone can get involved. You can start out small, or really challenge yourself! Get inspired and check out the  Ideas and Solutions page on Plastic Free July’s website! They have all sorts of information, organized by locations, whether you’re at the office, school or events. You can also check out each specific item swap and if will give you the full breakdown! For example, coffee cups, you’re making a more sustainable decision when you ditch the disposable cup and bring your own. The Plastic Free July website will show you what you can do, how you can do it, taking the next steps and the impact it has. They are a great resource if you’re just getting started, or even if you’re a seasoned vet!

           

And if you’re looking locally for how you can jump on the plastic-free bandwagon, stop by the  shop! We offer a variety of plastic alternatives including reusable stainless water bottles, coffee cups, dish sponges, bamboo hair brushes, market totes, to name a few! We also pride ourselves in carrying the brands that truly walk the walk. Sunski Sunglasses are proud members of 1% for the Planet, like many of our brands, giving back 1% of sales to environmental charities. They also take their sustainability seriously by making sunglasses from trademarked material SuperLight polymer that’s made from post-industrial plastic scraps and using recycled packaging, completely free from single use plastic. Cotopaxi is making the world a better place through their sustainably minded gear. In 2024, they achieved their biggest-ever sustainability goal at Cotopaxi—they met our 3Rs commitment. Now, 100% of Cotopaxi’s products contain materials that are either repurposed (using excess industry fabric), recycled, or responsibly certified (by a third party). Apparel that is made from sustainable materials, in an ethically and environmentally responsible way, plays another large role as steer society away from the use of plastic.

We only name dropped a few of our brands, but we take our product research seriously and pride ourselves on carrying brands that are aligned with our earth-friendly values! Stop by the shop today and start your plastic free journey!