This July 3 is International Plastic Bag Free Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness about the global environmental issues resulting from excessive plastic pollution.
International Plastic Bag Free Day kicks off a global movement, known as Plastic Free July, in which millions of people across the world commit to reducing or eliminating the use of plastic in their lives. With plastic being a staple material in our lives, the thought of going completely plastic-free can be intimidating. But really, reducing your plastic waste can start with a step as simple as keeping reusable grocery bags in your car!
By helping the environment through sustainable habits, you will have something to be proud of at the end of the month. An easy way to get started reducing your plastic waste is finding sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives for daily, single-use products. Try setting a goal to stop using one plastic product this month and replace it with one of these alternatives.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Globally, one million single-use plastic bags are used every minute for an average of only 12 minutes. After those 12 minutes, plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill, according to the Center for Biological Diversity. Even then, plastic bags do not break down completely, and instead, become microplastics that absorb toxins and pollute the environment.
Reusable grocery bags are a great alternative for single-use plastic bags. Not only are reusable grocery bags better for the planet, but they also make carrying groceries much easier. You can keep them in the back of your car whenever you go to the grocery store.
Reusable Water Bottles and Coffee Cups
Americans buy 29 billion water bottles each year, resulting in landfills overflowing with two million tons of discarded water bottles. Decomposing bottles can then produce microplastics that can seep into our environment causing a variety of health issues.
Instead of buying water bottles and accepting takeaway cups, try opting for reusable water bottles and reusable coffee cups. These alternatives are better for the environment and more convenient for you! Unlike typical takeaway cups, reusable coffee cups have better insulation so your coffee stays hot. Reusable water bottles can help you keep better track of how much water you drink, helping you stay hydrated.
Shop with Eco-Friendly Companies
As environmental awareness grows, many companies have committed to offering more sustainable products and eco-friendly shipping options. When you checkout online, check for a recyclable shipping materials option. By doing this, you cut down on a lot of unnecessary plastic use.
Likewise, eco-friendly subscription services can help you maintain your sustainability after Plastic Free July is over. Although we utilize plastic products like shampoo bottles and tooth brushes much longer than plastic bags, they are still major contributors to plastic pollution in our environment. Grove Collective is a sustainable company that delivers eco-friendly home essentials, personal care, child and pet products. Grove also offers subscription-based services with eco-friendly shipping, so you’ll never run out of the sustainable products you need.
Whether you stop using plastic bags or go completely plastic free, spend this month learning about how plastic pollution harms us and our environment. By understanding these environmental issues and practicing sustainable habits, you can set a positive example for others!
