Plastic Free July gives me a fresh chance each year to look at the plastics in my life and figure out small steps to use less. Each time I make one simple change, it feels good knowing I’m helping the planet, and those habits often stick around long after the month ends.
If you’re just starting out or searching for simple and practical ideas that actually fit into your routine, these 21 tips can help. Small, practical swaps really do add up. If you find even one or two you want to try, you’re already making a positive difference.
1. Find Your Personal Motivation
When I first decided to cut down on plastic, I asked myself what really mattered. For me, seeing plastic along hiking trails annoyed me. Maybe it’s protecting the ocean, living healthier, or saving a little money. Starting with a personal reason helped me notice what I want change and makes everything feel more doable.
For many, it helps to write down that personal motivation. It could be wanting cleaner air and water for future generations or wanting a tidier home environment. When you see your reason, you’ll feel more driven to stick to new habits.
2. Take Reusable Shopping Bags Everywhere
I keep tote bags in my car trunk, one folded in my hand bag, one in my overnight bag/s and another by the front door. That way, I always have one on hand for planned or surprise shopping trips. A cloth bag can last for hundreds of uses, cutting down on hidden plastic from every checkout.
Some stores even offer small savings or loyalty points if you bring your own bags, so it pays off over time. If you tend to forget, leave a note on your door or steering wheel to remind yourself.
3. Choose a Refillable Water Bottle
Switching from bottled water to a stainless steel bottle was one of my easiest, most useful swaps. I fill it at home, at public water fountains, or at work. I save money and never worry about tossing out more plastic bottles at the end of the week.
Larger bottles or ones with built-in filters make it simple to stay hydrated wherever you are. Plus, they keep drinks cooler for longer.
4. Keep a Travel Coffee Cup or Mug
Many coffee shops offer a discount if you bring your own cup. Double-walled, leakproof mugs also work for hot and cold drinks, which means it covers every season.
Trying different sizes and styles can help you find the best option for you. Some fold up flat for travel, and others come with beautiful art or colours.
5. Use Reusable Produce and Bread Bags
I switched from single-use produce bags to mesh or cotton ones for fruit, veggies, and bakery items. These are washable and last for years. Grocers are used to seeing them, and I’ve never had anyone turn me away for using my own.
Bringing reusable bread bags to the bakery helps keep loaves fresh without contributing more plastic film to landfills.
6. Pack a Simple Reusable Cutlery Kit
A bamboo fork, spoon, and straw slip easily into a cloth case in a backpack. It’s easy to say no to plastic forks when you out, and it works for picnics or meals at work too. If you don’t want to buy a kit, just wrap a set from home in a napkin.
Chopsticks and even mini scissors can be included if you find them handy for on-the-go meals.
7. Take Your Own Food Containers
When I know I’m grabbing dinner or lunch to go, I bring a small reusable container. Many places are happy to use mine if I ask politely. This helps reduce plastic boxes and keeps leftovers fresher.
Look for lightweight stainless or glass containers that seal well and are easy to clean.
8. Prep Snacks at Home
Instead of buying chips or fruit snacks in single-use packaging, I fill containers or jars with whatever bulk I have in the pantry. If I plan ahead, I’m far less tempted by plastic wrapped options at the store or vending machine.
Baking your own granola bars or muffins is another great way to skip unnecessary packaging.
9. Buy Dry Goods in Bulk with Your Own Jars
Many stores let me fill up my own jars or bags with grains, nuts, dried fruits, or even soap flakes. Upcycling old jam jars or using lightweight cloth bags works just as well as buying new ones.
Bulk sections are also a fun way to try new foods while reducing plastic waste.
10. Swap Cling Wrap for Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps cover bowls, wrap sandwiches, and keep vegetables fresh. I wash mine with cool water and they last for many months. If they wear out, I compost them.
If you want to try a home project, making your own beeswax wraps is easy and adds a personal touch to your kitchen supplies.
11. Make Your Own Food When Possible
I started making popcorn, overnight oats, and even homemade sauces to reduce plastic packaging. Prepping meals and snacks myself gives me more control over ingredients and cuts down on single use wrappers.
Cooking in batches and freezing portions also saves time and keeps you ready for busy days without needing to buy packaged meals.
12. Try Simple Kitchen Swaps
Switching to metal or glass food containers, using dish soap bars, and skipping disposable sponges for cotton or reusable cloth has made a big difference in my kitchen waste. These small swaps last longer and make plastic free routines easier to keep going.
Try cloth towels instead of paper, or silicone lids to seal bowls. These little switches keep waste low and add colour to your kitchen.
13. Choose Bar Soap and Shampoo Bars
Use bar soap and shampoo bars for your shower. Many come unpackaged or in paper, last a long time, and are gentle on skin and hair. Some local shops even offer samples if you want to try a few before settling on a favourite.
If you find your hair needs extra moisture, conditioner bars can be a good match as well.
14. Swap Out Your Toothbrush
Switching to a bamboo toothbrush was surprisingly easy. Most brands can be composted (after removing the bristles). I mark the date on mine so I remember when to swap for a fresh one.
15. Test Toothpaste Tablets or Powders
Toothpaste tablets and powders often come in glass or cardboard packaging. They take up less space and avoid the pile of toothpaste tubes that end up in my trash each year.
16. Visit Local Refill Stations
Stores in my area offer refills for laundry detergent, hand soap, and even household cleaners. I bring old bottles and fill them up, skipping the waste of buying a brand new container each time.
Check online for zero waste shops or co-ops near you; they often have the widest selection.
17. DIY Cleaning and Beauty Products
A mix of vinegar, baking soda, and lemon can tackle lots of basic cleaning jobs. I also like making simple scrubs or masks with ingredients from my kitchen. DIY recipes help cut down on new plastic bottles and let me adjust scents and textures to my liking.
Many beauty products, like sugar scrubs and bath soaks, are quick to mix up and make wonderful gifts too.
18. Set Weekly Mini-Goals
Trying to change everything at once feels overwhelming. I pick one habit to focus on each week. By the end of the month, those small switches add up and feel natural.
Write mini goals in a journal or set digital reminders so you can check progress and stay motivated.
19. Team Up with Someone
I’ve chatted with like-minded people online about joining me for Plastic Free July. When more than one person is involved, it’s easier to stay motivated and share new ideas. Even if one person swaps out something small, it counts.
Schools and workplaces sometimes organize plastic free challenges. See if there’s an event near you or suggest one to your community.
20. Get Inspired in Online Groups
There are lots of social media groups or local cleanup events dedicated to Plastic Free July. Sharing wins, swap ideas, or even little setbacks offers extra motivation and fresh inspiration when I’m feeling stuck or discouraged.
Reading other people’s creative tips can inspire you to try something new or find solutions for tricky swaps.
21. Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
I don’t beat myself up if I forget my bag or grab a snack in plastic out of necessity. The goal is to keep moving forward, learn from slipups, and try again. Any step in the right direction gets me closer to less waste and more mindful habits.
Celebrate every effort you make. Over time, the journey toward less plastic gets easier.
Quick Start Guide for Plastic Free July
- Pick one daily item you want to swap this week (bottle, bag, cup, or snack pack).
- Set out your reusables in easy to grab places (entryway, work bag, or car).
- Mark your first win on a sticky note or digital list.
- Share with a friend or group to build encouragement; celebrate small successes.
Plastic Free July isn’t about being perfect. I’ve learned that every change, no matter how small, helps protect the places and people I care most about. The more I share, and the more friends, neighbours and community members join, the bigger difference we all make. If you try even a few of these ideas, you’ll be surprised how quickly plastic free options become second nature.