How To Go Plastic free: 3 Simple tips

This month marks Plastic-Free July: Join the millions of people globally reducing their plastic waste. Feeling overwhelmed? In this article you will find 3 simple tips on how to go plastic free.

Go Plastic-Free This July With These 3 Easy Tips

There’s no better way to start off the month than to make a commitment to go plastic-free. But, where to start? Luckily, I’ve been on this plastic-free journey for so many years now, and I’ve got some great tips. It’s also the start of Plastic-Free July, so there’s literally no better time to share with you the best way to launch into the plastic-free lifestyle.

Tip 1: Nobody's perfect - know this, and know peace

As much as it would be amazing to go completely plastic-free, it’s also virtually impossible. Plastic is after all such a huge part of our lives. From our electronic devices to our furniture and TV to even our cars - it’s pervasive. So whilst we can’t rid ourselves of every shred of plastic, what we can do is reduce our plastic consumption to the barest minimum - ie. leaving only things we absolutely can’t live without. 

Another thing you need to remember is, that you will occasionally slip up - and that’s okay. Especially at the start of your journey, making the switch to non-plastic alternatives won’t be second nature. There will be times when you leave the shop before realizing you shouldn’t have asked for a plastic bag, or you forgot to bring your reusable bag with you and have to ask for a disposable one, or you buy a whole pack of disposables for the get-together you’ve planned. Switching to a plastic-free life is a step-by-step process, and you’ve got me to help with that!

Avoiding single-use disposables and straws is a great way to start your plastic-free July. Seas & Straws

Tip 2: Take it one step at a time

Don’t go throwing out every single plastic item you have the second you decide to go plastic-free. Not only is it wasteful (because you’re replacing them without having finished using them) but, it’s also going to make it harder for you to stick to being plastic-free. That’s because you’re completely overhauling your life without giving yourself enough time to adjust. Not only that but finding the best plastic-free alternatives for you is something that takes time and trial (my best plastic-free water filters or my article plastic-free on a budget may help you find your alternatives faster).

Start small by making simple swaps in your everyday life. For example, swap your plastic bottles for non-plastic alternatives and stay consistent for a week, then add another change, then another. There are a lot of swaps that can be made, and sometimes it’s easy to get lost or discouraged.

That’s why I created this week-by-week guide to help you become plastic-free in just one year! It's an undated weekly planner that you can start at any time, and every week will give you one small thing to change on your plastic-free journey. Never feel overwhelmed or discouraged, this guide will take you by the hand!

Tip 3: Educate Yourself

Being sustainable is just as much a mindset as it is a lifestyle. It’s important to understand what it means, why it’s important and the progress (or lack thereof) the world is making towards it. When you understand why you’re being sustainable, it becomes a whole lot easier to make the necessary sacrifices. And the only way to keep understanding the impact of plastic on you is to keep educating yourself.

Educate yourself about plastics and sustainable alternatives. The more you learn, the easier it will get. Seas & Straws

Educating yourself is relatively easy. By subscribing to my newsletter, following me here and on my social media you’re already 2 steps ahead! Keeping a close eye on the news, and joining conversations both online and in person is a good way to stay informed and help create awareness.