Plastic Free July is here, and info on how to use less is everywhere. My first time taking part was 2017, at the time only a couple of years into this sustainability journey. There is a lot I wish I knew back then, beyond the plastic straws and plastic bags.
Hopefully I can steer you in the most impactful direction, right from the beginning ; )
While avoiding plastic use is absolutely necessary, it’s not always clear what creates the most change.
Here are 5 ways to have a bigger impact this month, and every month after that!
1) Focus on indirect sources of plastics.
The best example? Eat less fish.
Did you know that over 45% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch weight was due to fishing gear? This is a huge amount! This not only contributes to waste, but is also a threat to marine life as they get tangled up without any means of escape. If you really want to dive deeper, grab some popcorn and watch Seaspiracy.
Solution? Being more mindful of where your fish came from and how it was caught (beyond the certifications) can decrease demand for unsustainable practices. Best impact of all? Eat less.
There are some amazing alternatives to eating fish, including vegan options that now include mushroom-based calamari, “starch shrimp”, and even cauliflower-based ceviche: all equally delicious and much kinder to the planet.
2050 is predicted to be the year we have more plastics than fish in the sea – let’s make sure this doesn’t happen!
2) Don’t switch out plastic bags for paper bags.
This was a big one. One of the first things I started doing was using paper bags whenever I forgot my reusable one. Little did I know that a paper bag’s footprint is actually four times that of one made from plastic!
And when you think about it – this totally makes sense. Paper is heavier, requires cutting down trees, and it can’t be reused too many times without breaking apart.
Solution? Bring your own reusable bag! I started carrying all my groceries to the car, even if one by one, whenever I would forget. Yes, this was embarrassing. But (!), it’s now rare that I don’t have 3-4 in the car or in my backpack.
3) There is plastic in fashion, too.
This one is easy to forget, yet most of us shop on a regular basis for clothing. Polyester, acrylic, nylon… the list goes on. The fast fashion industry contributes nearly a tenth of carbon emissions on the planet – a super large impact!
Solution? Watch The True Cost and opt out of fast fashion. After watching this documentary I made the decision to never purchase fast fashion again – something I realize is a privilege that not everyone has. But for those who can, it is essential we do so!
And if you still want those specific brands – thrift! The shoes and jeans above were great finds at a local thrift store.
Check out my blog post at Zero Waste Collective for a review of The True Cost and other docs you might find useful!
4) Avoid biodegradable plastics when replacing typical plastics.
I’m sure you’ve seen the “biodegradable plastic” signs on many containers these days. While this is all good in theory, it doesn’t always meet everyone’s circumstances. Even in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, you can’t dispose of them in your backyard bin so they end up in landfill.
Solution? If you find yourself carrying packaging with this label, ask the business you got it from to take it back – they often have the means to get rid of them the right way. If they don’t, try and encourage it!
Otherwise, opt for programs like the Inwit food app – a women-led business attempting zero-waste takeout in Toronto, Canada.
5) Don’t throw out what you have.
You know those cute little wooden dish brushes that are so tempting to grab? Check under the sink first! Do you already have something that fits the purpose? – don’t throw it out. Some plastic items can actually last a really long time, and won’t need to be replaced for awhile.
Solution? This one is easy: use what you have! A bonus here that it’s much easier on the wallet.
And always keep in mind: Progress over perfection.
Take a look at your recycling bin at the end of the month and see what is most common. This is a great place to start improving in the months to come! If we all do our part, in our own attainable ways, change will happen.
We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly. – Anne Marie Bonneau (@zerowastechef)
Follow me on Instagram @savour.the.detour for more sustainability tips!