Plastic Free July - Week 1 challenge
Hi greenthumbs!
This month I’m getting all excited for Plastic Free July! Each week, I’m going to share a tip on how your family can help reduce plastic. This week, we’re going to try and reduce plastic shopping bags.
But first, what is Plastic Free July? Let’s find out!
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution … so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Anyone can be part of Plastic Free July! You just have to try and reduce your plastic use. Come on, let’s do it together!
What are single-use plastics?
Single-use plastics are plastic things that are designed to be used once only and then put in the bin. A plastic bag from the shops is single-use plastic. And so is a disposable plastic water bottle. Those disposable plates, cups, knives and forks that you might see at a party or a picnic are often made from single-use plastic too.
The problem with single-use plastic is that so much energy goes into making it and then it is put straight in the bin after it’s used. And then it ends up in landfill … or worse, some plastic ends up in our rivers and oceans.
Some plastics can be recycled and turned into new things which is awesome. But the best way to help reduce single-use plastic is not to use it in the first place. We can take little steps to make new healthy habits for our planet!
Week 1: plastic shopping bags
You can take your own reusable bags to the shops instead of using a plastic shopping bag. When someone asks me if I would like my shopping in a plastic bag I give them a gigantic big smile and say:
“No thank you, I brought my own bag!”
That’s what you can do too! Easy!
How to remember
But there’s one tricky thing … how do you remember to take your own bags?
I know it can be hard to remember! Even I forget sometimes. That’s why I invented a cool little printable hanger for you to put on your front door or in your car.
Of course, you don’t need to use it forever. But you could try and use it for one month and see if it helps you to start a new habit!
Here’s another tip! Don’t forget to clean your bags regularly. Love your bags and keep them clean!
Ok, so that’s our challenge for week 1 of Plastic Free July. I can’t wait to hear how you go! Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s just about having a go. We all have to start somewhere.
If we all take little steps together, we can make a big difference for our planet!
If you want to find out more about Plastic Free July you can visit the website.
I’ll see you next week for round 2 of our Plastic Free July Challenge!
