It’s time for Plastic Free July – a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.  Why July?  It is a month that people tend to spend a great deal of time outside so it’s a perfect time to bring attention to the solutions for cleaner streets, beaches, and healthy bodies.  We invite you to “take the challenge” for a plastic free July.

How can you have a Plastic Free July?  If you are like us and so many others, you want to be free of single-use plastic and you are not quite sure how.  There are so many resources. Make it fun! The McSisters enjoy figuring out “what can we do to avoid plastic”?  Create a contest with your friends.

Try one of these challenges:

• An Australian organization – the Plastic Free Foundation – invites you to take on the challenge of Plastic Free July and provides the resources you need.  Check out the website https://www.plasticfreejuly.org  and take the plastic free challenge.  This year’s campaign theme is “small steps, big difference” – choose one step this July.

• Join the Zero Waste Store Plastic Free July Challenge!  Try swapping out plastic for a sustainable alternative in each area of your house each week!  You can also win a zero waste kit valued at $100. https://zerowastestore.com/pages/plastic-free-july

• You can start a movement! Check this out! https://www.beyondplastics.org/events/supermarket-plastic-take-back

Frances lives in Davis, California where the Davis Food Cooperative is supporting “Plastic Free July on a Budget”.  https://davisfood.coop/plastic-free-july-on-a-budget/ Some of the Coop’s ideas include shopping in bulk, use glass jars (but not new ones), bring your cutlery with you wrapped in a cloth napkin or kitchen towel, and reduce waste wherever you can.

The McSister’s What Can You Do Challenge:

• Pick one step to take.

• Use your reusable coffee cup and water bottle.

• Make all your summer events plastic free, including the decorations- no balloons or plastic!

• Consider these products for your summer events: https://drinkopenwater.com/  You can purchase in bulk and still turn a profit with re-sell in place of plastic bottles.

• Here are other great plastic alternatives: https://www.ball.com

• Make it a habit to bring your own cutlery, cups, bags, refillable water bottles, etc. when you attend summer concerts and Farmers Markets.

• Swap liquid soap for bar soaps.

• Buy less stuff.

• Advocate:  https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org

• See our previous posts for more ideas –