Plastic Free July?

Did you know it is #plasticfreejuly?

This campaign is to raise our awareness of the volume of single use plastics consumed and thrown away on a daily basis. As one who is already fairy enviro savvy, I am finding myself bumping into blocks every day in avoiding acquiring more one-time-use things that stick around polluting our planet for 500-1000 years.

I envision economical, environmentally friendly bulk stores for all our regular purchases, from protein & superfood powders, cooking oils, body & hair care to detergent and cleaning products. Yes there are places like this that already exist, typically with a limited selection.  The nearest one to me is 30 minutes and 30 miles away. Bringing my own containers and stocking up there is generally more expensive than getting prepackaged ‘organic’ goods from closer stores and so for the average busy person trying to make ends meet, is not a particularly attractive option.

Farmer’s markets are great for getting berries, cherries, and veggies not packaged in plastic, if bring your own reusable bags. There are now more and more modern sustainable packaging solutions that are out there, yet at this point are still ‘more expensive’ to implement. More expensive in the short term to our wallets, yet more costly long term to our health and the planet, but still, rent is due at the end of the month.

In the meantime, I am doing the best that I can to reduce my personal consumption. I am going out of my way whenever possible to avoid buying things in plastic and being compassionate with myself when practicality or ‘necessity’ wins. I am advocating to gently raise awareness to the restaurants and cafes I frequent, and places that package ‘for here’ things in ‘to-go’ plastic with no other option.

https://www.npr.org/2017/12/09/568797388/recycling-chaos-in-u-s-as-china-bans-foreign-waste

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-recycling-crisis-20180526-story.html