H Y D A W A Y

Ready to kick your single-use plastic habit? Us too. There’s no better time than Plastic Free July to start a new routine that eliminates single-use plastic from your lifestyle. 

In this blog, we will be sharing tips for participating in Plastic Free July and ways you reduce your plastic waste year-round.

Take the Challenge

Plastic Free July is a global movement that inspires people around the world to be a part of the solution to our world’s plastic problem.

If you’ve been on the fence about starting a zero-waste lifestyle, there is no better opportunity than now to start. Signing up for the challenge is one of the easiest ways to introduce yourself to a new lifestyle.

Throughout the challenge, you’ll receive guidance and support from the Plastic Free July team to help motivate you every step of the way. If going totally plastic-free for the month seems daunting, you can also opt to avoid just single-use plastic packaging or takeaway items like straws, bags, water bottles or coffee cups.

This month does not have to be intimidating. If taking the pledge helps open your eyes just a bit more to how bad our plastic epidemic is, then we consider that a success!

It’s totally free to take the pledge. Head on over to plasticfreejuly.org to sign up for the challenge

7 Ways to Start Reducing Your Plastic Waste For Plastic Free July

1. Restaurant Take Out

   We’re living in a new reality and grabbing take-out from your favorite restaurant can seem easier than navigating through the grocery store. But have you considered the amount of single-use plastic waste that is being created from this habit – now in mass amounts? Every day in the United States alone 100 million plastics utensils are used. We’re not going to tell you to stop ordering take-out (because we’re totally guilty too), but simply say “no thank you” to the plastic utensils, straws, and bags that come with your order.

2. Grocery Store Bags

   We get it. The grocery store trip now can feel like a daunting task between one-way aisles and socially distanced checkouts. And, you’re most likely not allowed to bring your own reusable bags inside the store. If you’re like us, you also cringe watching them load produce into those single-use plastic bags. If you want to beat the system, decline to have your items bagged and put them directly back into your shopping cart. Do the bagging yourself when you get to your car where you have your favorite reusable bags waiting for you!

3. Daily Hydration

   We feel like a broken record on this one, but stop using single-use plastic bottled waters. On average 481 billion plastic water bottles are disposed of every year.  HYDAWAY has made it easier than ever to hydrate while on the go without contributing to our planet’s plastic problem even when it’s not Plastic Free July. Collapsing down to just over an inch you can stash it in any bag or pocket and not have to lug around one of those heavy metal bottles. Noa fan of tap water? Use a carbon filter to remove taste and odor from your water.

4. Laundry Day

   Your non-toxic soap only goes so far for the environment. Most laundry detergents and fabric softeners come in large plastic containers – many of which cannot be recycled. There are many other planet-safe options such as soap flakes or powders. Depending on where you live, there are now more and more stores opening up like Bring Your Own that sell products in bulk and will fill your reusable containers. If you do not have a similar option near home, simply order online from stores like Package Free Shop.

5. Meats & Produce

   Avoid picking up those plastic-wrapped fruits, vegetables, and meats at the grocery store. Instead, visit your local farmers’ market for fresh produce in Plastic Free July. Some farmers may even offer “cosmetically challenged” produce at a lower cost than what you’ll pay at the grocery store. And guess what – it still tastes great! Just make sure you bring those reusable produce bags to the farmer’s market with you.

6. Your Leftovers

   Plastic wrap and storage containers are not only bad environments but can have a negative impact on your health too. Most plastic containers are made from BPA and PVC. These chemicals can get released into your food as the containers wear down over time. Opt for glass containers. These ones are our favorite. They’re infinitely recyclable, airtight, chemical-free and freezer, and microwave safe.

7. Pet Parenthood

   Our day-to-day routines with our pets produce extensive amounts of waste. If you’re a dog person, opt for biodegradable poop bags. These ones meet the ASTM D6400 standard for compostability & biodegradability. Cat people, we also have you covered. Did you know that most cat litters contain sodium bentonite which is not biodegradable and piles up in our landfills? For the health of the planet (and your cat), opt for an earth-friendly option instead.

In conclusion, participating in Plastic Free July doesn’t have to be hard and truly every little thing helps. Click here for more ways you can help reduce your plastic use year around.