Plastic Free July

Plastic-Free July 2024 & Blueland x Darphynia

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As Plastic-Free July reaches its end, we are taking time to reflect on how much packaging and waste is placed on the consumer. Instead of manufacturers and corporations being responsible for how they package and produce their own goods, the consumer is left with the choices they are presented with. It is nearly impossible, depending on your area and situation, to find household products that are free from any sort of plastic. For some, the ability to choose more sustainable options is present, but it can come at a cost…and it’s not just monetary. One brand that has been providing planet-friendly and relatively plastic-free products since the beginning is Blueland. And, if you want to give them a try, you can purchase refill packs that won’t break the bank (plus, their packs are recyclable/compostable).

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Plastic-Free July 2022: Weeks 3-4

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Weeks three and four were uneventful. I’m still not feeling great and decided to update my GP. We have a telemed call next week.

*As you can see, this post is a couple of weeks late. Things were a bit hectic, and I wasn’t feeling well. That being said, I hope you enjoy this short read.

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Plastic-Free July 2022: Weeks 1-2

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It is that time of year again. Plastic-Free July is in full-swing. Even though there aren’t many plastic-free package options, regarding food, available in my area I am going to do my best to limit the amount of plastic packaging brought in (as always, medical necessities do not count). I should note, while we’re on the subject of medicine, if you have a disability that requires you to use single-use plastic items, this may not be a challenge you can participate in. That is okay. You should never feel shame nor guilt, and you shouldn’t be bullied by ableists.

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Plastic-Free July: The End + Update

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As another Plastic-Free July comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the past weeks. Week 3 started off with food and drinks being bought. It’s rude to refuse a kind gesture (of course there are always exceptions), and luckily just about everything is recyclable in my area. Week 4 closed with some plastic packaging from an online grocery order, a couple of straws, and a couple of drink lids.

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Plastic-Free July: Week 2

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This week I went to the Japanese market. Of course everything is wrapped in some sort of plastic, which is very convenient for people on-the-go. However, it’s a huge issue when you live relatively waste-free. Luckily, for me, our area recycles all types of plastics that can then be reused instead of tossed (well, as long as people keep at it). Needless to say, this week I accumulated far more plastic than I had planned. Note to self: Don’t deviate from the list. I’m also counting the individual wrappers. After all, they too, are plastic.

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Plastic-Free July, Week 1

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Since July 1st was on a Thursday, I’m counting the end of this week as the end of Week 1. Unfortunately, I forgot all about it, and had already purchased food for delivery. Where I live, we are fortunate to be able to recycle most of our plastic waste. For the sake of transparency, I will discuss the items that can be recycled, along with that can only go to landfill. What won’t be included is medical waste and anything that was purchased prior to the start of Plastic-Free July.

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Plastic-Free July: Day 31, Fin

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We’ve made it! It is the last day of Plastic-Free July. This time it was more difficult than before, at least for us. Bulk bins where I could use jars and a funnel brought from home we live have been filled with pre-packaged bulk goods. Most produce has been wrapped in some form of plastic, and we quickly found that most things are no longer recyclable (i.e. mixed-materials packaging). So many aspects of life have changed, but you learn to adapt.

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Plastic-Free July: Day 30, Acceptance 😌

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Tomorrow is the last day of our Plastic-Free July journey for 2020. Thank you so much for sticking with me! We explored plastic-free swaps, how to turn kitchen scraps into a mini garden, the impact of the current pandemic, and more. Now it is time to take stock of what we have accumulated and come to terms with the outcome. Given the current state of things, living plastic-free has not be easy by any means. More and more items, aside from the usual packaged products, are coming wrapped in plastic. Reusable bags and containers brought from home are not allowed in stores, which makes sense given these uncertain times, but can be frustrating.

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Plastic-Free July: Day 29, Practical Gifting 🎁

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There are a couple of days left in Plastic-Free July. This post will be more of a discussion on practical gifting versus a clickable gift guide. Fun gifts (i.e. toys for the kids, board games, etc.) are fantastic and will get use. For the adults, if I’m not giving gift cards, then it’s something handmade. Occasionally, when I find something I think someone will really like, and they don’t have it, then I’ll get it. I don’t do this often though. My current financial situation has forced me (in a good way) to be more resourceful and careful in what I give. That also means that I can make practical, zero- or low-waste items tailored to the recipient. Make sure to do your research and know if the recipient has any allergies/sensitivities before starting.

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Plastic-Free July: Day 28, Rationing

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I have been watching all of the farm series (check out Wartime Farm here), and can’t help but wonder if we will go back to rationing, or a similar system. For reference I do not live in the UK, but the US, where rationing was implemented during the war as well. In current times, where we live, we saw once-stocked shelves go bare for weeks…in all departments. We also saw in increase in food costs, among others. There was a rumor that rationing would be implemented as the country braced for a food shortage.

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