Consider choosing natural fibres when selecting clothes and soft furnishings.

How can you do it

Fast fashion often relies on cheap fabric, but synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon, shed tiny plastic fragments. Synthetic clothing is one of the main contributors to microplastics – there’s nothing stylish about that. Choosing timeless pieces made from natural fibres is a powerful way to support more sustainability in fashion and reduce microplastics. 

Many people tell us they are switching to clothing and soft furnishings made from natural fibres such as hemp, silk, linen and wool, not only to reduce plastic, but also because natural fibres are breathable, durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and feel great against their skin.

Second-hand shops are a popular, thrifty way to purchase natural fibre clothes at a fraction of their original price. Buying second-hand also allows you to see how durable the item is after it has been worn and washed. 

Another alternative to purchasing new clothing is to swap natural fibre items through established clothes swap events or informal gatherings with friends. This is a particularly good option for baby and children’s clothing that typically becomes too small when it is still in like-new condition.

Taking the next steps

Consider selecting natural fibres for other purchases such as hemp cushion covers, linen or hemp sheets, and jute rugs. 

Before disposing of clothing, ask whether it may have another use. Old t-shirts and nappies (diapers) make great cleaning cloths. 

Assist other people to select natural fibres by letting them know the natural fibre content of clothing or soft furnishings that you are selling or donating. 

Consider reaching out to your favourite in-store and online brands and letting them know how concerned you are about plastic being added to the environment through clothing and packaging. 

Some people have discovered how handy they are with a sewing machine or hand-sewing kit. Repairing or making your own clothes using natural fibres is a satisfying way to be more sustainable.

For one-off events such as formals or weddings, renting or buying pre-loved items is a practical solution.

The impact

• According to the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, a truck load of clothes is burnt or buried in landfill every second. 
• By selecting natural fibres you are making a conscious decision to help prevent one of the major sources of plastic microfibres from entering the environment. 
• Cheap synthetic clothing doesn’t just have an environmental cost. More people are becoming better educated about the human cost of exploitation in the global fast fashion industry. 

The post Natural Fibres appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Swaps such as using refillable washing liquid, buying washing powder in bulk, and using natural fibres can help keep your clothes clean and fresh while reducing plastic waste.

How you can do it

A popular way to reduce microplastics at the source is by choosing natural fibres such as wool, hemp, silk and linen. By choosing natural fibres, you can prevent microplastics from entering our waterways and the environment.

With greater choices around buying detergents and powders in bulk or accessing refillable options, many people find that switching to more sustainable laundry essentials is becoming easier. Some businesses encourage the use of reusable containers or the option to return refillable sachets to the distributor.

Fresh washing blowing in the breeze is a reminder of how nature can help make household jobs better for our health and happiness. Swapping breakable plastic pegs for durable metal clothing pegs adds a stylish, sustainable solution to your line-dried washing.

Taking the next steps

Some people make their own cleaning products. A popular stain remover is bicarbonate of soda mixed with vinegar. Others swap commercial detergents for soap nuts.

If you need to replace your washing machine, a front loader is often a better choice for the environment. Full loads of washing create less friction (and therefore less fibre shedding) too. We love Eco with Em’s illustrations including this one on our Facebook page on reducing microfibres from clothes.

Could you be over washing your clothes? Some family members use the laundry as a quick room-cleaning solution. Chatting about the environmental impact may help them reconsider their choices.

Filter attachments, wash bags and microfibre collectors are other ways people help prevent microplastics from entering our waterways. 

The impact

Every step of the plastic-based fabric cycle creates plastic pollution from production to disposal. Switching to natural fibres helps prevent microplastics from entering drainage systems and ending up in waterways and even our drinking water.

Buying in bulk or accessing refillable laundry solutions is a great way to reduce single-use plastic.

Swapping the clothes dryer for stainless-steel pegs and sunshine is a more sustainable and enjoyable solution.

The post Laundry appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose to refuse single-use plastic bathroom products.

How you can do it

Plastic bottles and containers hide in many corners of the bathroom or in the drawers under your sink, and they are also some of the easiest to eliminate.

More and more people are choosing to make their own beauty and personal care products – it is simpler than you might think. There are numerous online recipes and tutorials for soap, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, scrubs and lotions. Using simple, inexpensive ingredients, these products are better for the planet and reduce your use of plastic too.

You may prefer to buy pre-made products, but without the plastic packaging. There are a number of brands that supply soap, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and more in bar form, without any packaging or just a simple cardboard box.

A third option is to take an empty plastic bottle and refill it at a bulk goods store.

You may like to consider other items in your bathroom such as razor blades, nappies, bin liners and sanitary items. These can also be replaced with longer-lasting, reusable items that are plastic-free. See our separate cards for more details.

Taking the next steps

Your existing plastic bottles and tubs can be refilled, reused or recycled when empty.

Look out for a local workshop on making your own products, or check out the numerous online tutorials, including on the Plastic Free July YouTube channel.

Consider replacing old toothbrushes with bamboo versions or a model with a replaceable head. A switch to a safety razor with replaceable stainless steel blades will eliminate plastic and allow you to recycle the blades.

The impact

• Reduce plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it
• Prevent the chance of plastic waste entering into our natural surroundings, where it will stay forever
• Protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic as food

The post Bathroom appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose to refuse single-use plastic dental products. 

How you can do it

More and more people are choosing toothbrushes are made from sustainable, compostable materials, such as bamboo. Be aware though, bristles are usually still made from plastic, so you’ll need to cut them off before composting or reusing your bamboo toothbrush handle.

Purchasing a toothbrush with a replaceable head can eliminate the need to continually purchase a new plastic brush every few months, too.

When it comes to toothpaste, many health and organic stores sell plastic-free alternatives. There are also recipes available online for making your own. 

Taking the next steps

Companies are starting to offer more and more plastic free alternatives to dental floss, from the packaging to the actual product. The labelling can be confusing, but dental floss in cardboard or glass packaging with silk thread is generally plastic-free, while some dental floss made from bamboo fibre can contain polyester (a plastic fibre).

There are even vegan friendly dental floss options, available from many online specialists, switching silk for plant fibres and bees wax for plant oils. 

The impact

• Reduce plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it.
• Prevent the chance of plastic waste entering into our natural surroundings, where it will stay forever.
• Protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic for food.

The post Dental care appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose plastic free cleaning products and homemade alternatives.

How you can do it

One of the most popular ways people reduce plastic waste is by using cleaning products without plastic packaging.

Often people avoid buying cleaning products altogether for some cleaning tasks. A cloth and some water will clean many areas of the home quite well.

Bulk food stores often offer refillable cleaning products, including window cleaner, dishwashing liquid, and laundry powder/liquid. Farmers markets, chain supermarkets and even delivery trucks increasingly offer refills.

Buying eco-friendly cleaning products in bulk and sharing them with friends, family members and neighbours can be a great way to reduce plastic waste too.

When it’s time to replace cleaning brushes and cloths, consider switching from synthetic to natural fibres for cleaning dishes. There are plenty of alternatives on the market that can be composted at the end of their lifespan. 

For in and around the home, consider reusing old socks or worn towels? Areas that require a bit of a scrub (such as the grout between tiles) will come up a treat when homemade or bulk-bought cleaning products are scrubbed with an old toothbrush. 

Storage can make a difference too. Cleaning and storing cloths and brushes in a dry place is more hygienic and makes them last longer. 

For an even healthier home environment, vacuuming regularly and dusting with a damp mop will remove dust containing plastic particles and chemicals.

Taking the next steps

Many people make a simple all-purpose cleaner with equal parts of white vinegar and water (vinegar is a recommended product for mould removal), while others make a water and bicarbonate soda paste for scrubbing. Adding a few drops of essential oil or a squeeze of citrus juice will make homemade cleaning options smell great too.

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The impact

• Avoiding chemicals that can be toxic for yourself, your family and the planet. 
• Reducing plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it.
• Saving money by buying in bulk or using homemade cleaning products.

The post Cleaning appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Consider reusable options like period undies or menstrual cups that suit your lifestyle and personal preferences.

How you can do it

With a range of reusable alternatives, it’s become easier to find products that suit everyone’s needs. Some people even use a combination of options depending on their activity levels and changes to menstrual flow

Washable pads and liners are a popular choice, which are both durable and absorbent. There are a range of options available online or through select health retailers. Some pads come with buttons to ensure they stay attached to your underwear.

The menstrual cup has become increasingly popular. The cup is inserted like a tampon, and typically needs to be emptied and washed a couple of times a day. In many places around the world, periods are still a taboo subject. Affiliate partner of the Plastic Free Foundation, Ruby Cup helps by giving women access to menstrual cups and reproductive health education. 

Another option is period undies. They are a stress-free alternative to single-use tampons and pads and feel comparable to wearing normal underwear. Now popularised to the point of being mainstream, period undies contain moisture-wicking fabric. After use, you simply need to rinse them out in cold water and then add to your normal wash.

Taking the next steps

Period undies and washable pads or liners are also handy for light bladder leakage. Some people have also made the switch to period swimwear – a popular option for teens.

Choosing natural materials and avoiding plastic-based products such as microfibre for reusable pads ensures a totally plastic-free solution. There are also a range of social enterprise and ethical online stores that deliver sustainability benefits beyond reducing plastic.

The impact

• A person using single-use applicators, tampons, and sanitary pads will buy over 10,000 in a lifetime with each one containing single-use plastic. Aside from creating landfill, a huge number of sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, blocking sewerage pipes and waste water treatment plants.
• Cost comparisons show that reusables including pads, menstrual cups and period undies will cost significantly less than single-use items. Reusables can help 
• Natural fibre reusables reduce the risk of skin irritation while helping to protect the environment.

The post Sanitary items appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose to refuse plastic-packaged bathroom supplies, including shower gel.

How you can do it

Making the switch from shower gel to bars of soap is an easy way to reduce consumption of single-use plastics. Bar soaps come in different blends to suit body washing, face wash, shampoo and shaving, so your line-up of bottles may become a line-up of bars.

Some people also go one step further and check the ingredients of the soap to ensure they don’t contain palm oil, which contributes to deforestation.

Bar soap can often be purchased without packaging, especially in bulk food, health, and organic stores. Alternatively, many suppliers use cardboard to package their soap which can be thrown in the compost once used. 

Taking the next steps

Making your own soap is pretty easy to do, and is a rewarding way to avoid waste. There are plenty of recipes online, and once you’ve got the hang of it you can start experimenting with different scents and ingredients. 

There may also be events in your local community sharing how to make your own soap. If there’s not, it might be a great opportunity for you to share your soap recipes!

The impact

• Enjoy a simpler bathroom routine.
• Reduce plastic waste and the use of our natural resources in creating it.
• Protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic as food.

The post Soap appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose to refuse disposable razors, plastic cartridge heads and shaving creams packed in plastic. 

How you can do it

More and more people are choosing to switch to safety razors, which are generally made of stainless steel and have replaceable blades. While they may be more expensive than disposable razors from the outset, in the long-run they can end up saving you money. 

Many companies now offer blade refills in card-board boxes, making it a great way to avoid single-use plastic entirely.

There are also companies who create shaving bars, sold in cardboard boxes, allowing people to create shaving foam without any plastic packaging. 

Taking the next steps

Many people take the next step by keeping all their used razor blades in a sealed container, such as a can or a blade safe from a specialist shaver shop, and taking them to a recycling location. The stainless steel blades are fully recyclable, but should not be placed in general recycling or waste bins because they are a sharp hazard. 

The impact

• Disposable razors are difficult to recycle, so most end up in landfill. Reduce waste to landfill by switching to safety razors!
• Switching to fully recyclable safety razor blades will reduce single use plastic.

The post Shaving appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Before you buy, stop and think about the low or no waste waste options.

How you can do it

People making smarter decisions when shopping show that it can have a huge impact, and is not too difficult. 

Considering the packaging of the item is a good place to start to ‘buy less’. Thinking about potential alternatives can include: choosing the item with the least amount of packaging, switching from plastic to paper packaging, or even choosing loose product with no packaging at the grocers or a bulk food store.

For reusable products it’s better to purchase something that’s designed to last forever than it is to purchase something that will need replacing regularly. 

Taking the next steps

There’s a changing attitude towards buying new items. Many people now take the approach of asking themselves, ‘do I really need this? Or do I already have something that will serve the same purpose? Can I borrow it from a friend or family member instead of buying it brand new?’

‘Buy nothing’ groups on Facebook can be a great resource for swapping a new purchase for a borrowed item eliminating the need to buy unnecessary items, or choosing to shop for secondhand items can reduce waste going to landfills (and save you some money!).

Many people are aiming for ‘zero waste’ by choosing to refuse any products that would likely end up in landfill. It’s worthwhile researching terms such as “planned obsolescence”, “perceived obsolescence”, and “circular economy”, if you are aiming for an empty bin!

The impact

• Buying less will reduce the resources used to create new products. For each 1kg of rubbish created at home, up to 70kg can be created upstream.
• Buying secondhand, sharing or not buying at all can save you lots of money in the long run!

The post Buy less appeared first on Plastic Free July.

Choose to refuse groceries that use single-use plastic packaging.

How you can do it

From produce to cereal, drinks to snacks, the shelves of grocery stores can be filled to the brim with plastic packaging. When beginning your plastic-free journey, this might have become alarmingly apparent to you. 

Bulk and loose foods can offer a solution to this. Many people keep a shopping list and visit their bulk food store just once a month, to stock up on items such as flour, nuts, dishwashing liquid and more, in a way that doesn’t use single-use plastic.

Most bulk food stores and many general stores have paper bags that you can fill, or you can bring your own reusable produce bags, containers, and glass jars. You, or the counter assistant,  can weigh your container before you fill it, so that you’re only paying for the product, not the weight of your container.

Taking the next steps

As well as making your local bulk food store part of your routine shopping habits, many people head along to bakeries, butchers, delis and fishmongers, too. Remembering to bring your own container to these retailers will help them to wrap your purchase without single-use plastic.

The impact

• Choosing bulk and loose product will help you to avoid food waste by buying only what you need.
• Reduce waste and pollution by avoiding plastic packaging.
• Protect our wildlife who can mistake plastic for food.

The post Bulk food shopping appeared first on Plastic Free July.