Take The “Plastic Free July” Challenge
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Rachel Tieger, Co-Chair TEAC
Every July, there is a global effort to reduce single-use plastics. The official Plastic Free July challenges everyone to eliminate one type of single-use plastic item from your life for the whole month. Examples include plastic straws, to-go coffee cups, yogurt containers, plastic water bottles, and more. You can create your own challenge by giving up one item the first week and adding an additional item every week for the month, so you end up eliminating four items, or any configuration you choose. Once the month is over, you may find that you can live without that/those particular item(s) or can find a suitable substitute with more sustainable packaging.
One year, I attempted to bring zero new plastic into my house, with absolutely no single-use plastic. It was shocking to realize how ubiquitous single-use plastic is in everyday life, and how difficult the task was. Just stop by any grocery store, drugstore, or department store, or even your own pantry, and look around. I adopted some permanent lifestyle changes that month, although there is still much room for improvement in my everyday choices.
Observations
Most bread is packed in plastic bags
Almost everything in the frozen section and snack aisle come in plastic bags
Items like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar are almost always sold in plastic bottles
Some cereal and boxed pasta have an inner plastic pouch
Tea bags are often individually wrapped
Commercial doggie poop bags are single use
Online orders typically have excessive, unnecessary inner packaging
Recommendations
Shop the bulk bins at Whole Foods, Mom's Organic, or the Refill Room at Rivertown General, and bring reusable bags
Dr. Bronner's Bars for dishes, general cleaning, and personal use
Buy whole bread loaves at the farmers market in paper to slice at home
Refill stations at Mom’s Organic and the Refill Room for shampoo, dish soap, and cleaning supplies
Bring containers for leftovers at restaurants or for takeout
Refuse utensils when getting takeout
Travel with a utensil kit for meals on the run and picnics
Reuse newspaper bags for dog poop bags, wet bathing suits, or shoes
Shop local and avoid ordering online whenever possible
Choose items with the most sustainable packaging
Ready to take the challenge? View this inspirational video along with other resources to get started. We recommend you engage a few friends, neighbors, colleagues, or family members to take the challenge with you, to help keep you motivated and make it more fun. Please email us at tarrytownenviro@org to share your experiences and helpful suggestions. Good luck! 👍
