8 Great Actions for a Plastic-Free Summer
Summer is here, bringing with it sunshine, popsicles, picnics, and unfortunately, loads of plastic waste. Fortunately, the Plastic Free July movement has been gaining popularity, and there are tons of ideas and resources to help us all stop using single-use plastics, be a better zero-waste hero, and help the planet heal!
Plastic Free July is not about doing zero-waste perfectly. It’s about being conscious and committing to take action to make our planet cleaner and greener. If it feels overwhelming, pick one area to focus on and that should be food – 40% of the plastic we use is from food packaging!
Here are eight impactful actions you can take to make your summer plastic-free while enjoying the process, and don’t forget to check out SuperBee’s range of eco-friendly products to help you along the way!
1. Reduce the Juice
Ditch store-bought juice, and commit to eating more fresh fruit, or opt for homemade smoothies instead. By doing so, you’ll eliminate the need for single-use and disposable containers while avoiding unnecessary calories, preservatives, and additives. This small change will boost your health and the well-being of our planet.
2. Say “So Long Sucker” to Straws
Skip the straws altogether. We don’t need ‘em, we got the lovely lips to sip with! If straws are a must, then choose sustainably sourced glass straws that can be used forever!
3. Revamp Your Grocery Routine
Simply changing where you shop can cut your plastic trash in half! Switching from a traditional grocery store to local fresh markets and a “health” store that sells items in bulk will drastically reduce your waste and make plastic-free shopping a breeze! Don’t forget to bring your reusable produce bags to weigh and carry your fruit & veggies.
4. Check Yourself Before You Checkout
By now you are probably used to bringing along your reusable bags to pack your groceries. Take the next step and before you checkout, do a cart check – look at each item in your cart and remove any plastic. If you can’t find a sustainable packaging option to replace the plastic, substitute it for another type of food that has the same nutritional benefits, or DIY it. Instead of a packaged protein bar, buy bulk nuts, seeds, and dates, and make your own.
5. Conquer Your Plastic Nemesis
Identify that one persistent plastic problem and tackle it head-on. Use your resources, friends, eco-chat groups, and free AI apps to come up with a sustainable solution to replace that pesky plastic. Contact us if you are having trouble finding a solution and we’ll get the SuperBee Team on the case!
6. Hold a “Buy Nothing Marathon”
Start a competition with your friends or families to see how long you can “buy nothing” for your household. Food and necessities are allowed, but clothes, books, gadgets, gear, toys, treats, utensils, etc., are a no-go. Choose a special “experience” prize that the winner would love, like cooking their favorite meal, a massage, or a trip to their favorite outdoor spot.
7. Stage an Upcycling Challenge
Invite all your eco friends, the neighborhood kids, or your local group/team to participate in an Upcycling challenge: each person must create something beautiful or useful from waste plastics. Give them a day or a week to bring their creations to life. Offer homemade prizes for the Most Useful, Most Beautiful, Most Innovative, etc. Don’t forget to explain the importance of upcycling and its positive impact on the environment.
8. DIY your Plastic Replacement Tools
Throw a DIY beeswax wraps party. Gather friends or family for an afternoon crafting unique and practical beeswax wraps. These reusable wraps can replace single-use plastic food wrap for up to two years, saving money and avoiding all that plastic waste.
By embracing these eight actions for a plastic-free July, you have the power to make a positive impact on the planet while enjoying a sustainable and fulfilling summer. Remember, every small change matters, and together we can create a significant difference. Don’t forget to explore our website at superbee.me for a wide range of eco-friendly products that can support you in your journey toward a plastic-free lifestyle.
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