Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. There is no additional cost to you whatsoever.
Environmental consciousness has grown and extra persons are desirous to undertake greener habits. Fortunately, you possibly can take your newfound sustainability on trip throughout a Plastic-Free July street journey. Here’s all the pieces it’s essential to know concerning the motion, plus how you can plan for waste-free journey this summer time.
What Is Plastic-Free July?
Australian, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, began the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011 after visiting a recycling sorting facility, declaring July a plastic-free month.
Its recognition has reached 89 million people across 190 countries, all who’ve dedicated to eliminating plastic consumption annually. Since 2019, members have diminished over 1.5 million metric tons of plastic waste, sufficient to fill 80,000 rubbish vans.
Why Is Plastic-Free July Important?
Plastic-Free July is much like different actions, like Dry January. However, its benefits for environmental stewardship are great.
The world’s plastic drawback has reached new heights. For occasion, solely 33 of 353 million metric tons of plastic have been recycled in 2019 and 22 million metric tons of mismanaged waste entered the setting. Of this, 6.1 million metric tons seeped into waterways and the ocean, harming ecosystems and wildlife.
To put this in perspective, though 70% of Earth’s floor is fabricated from water, a mere 1% is fit for consumption and unpolluted. Plastics don’t break down shortly — some decompose for tons of of years, elevating the danger of water contamination. Currently, one in three individuals endures water shortage worldwide because of this contamination.
Planning a Plastic-Free July Road Trip
A summer time street journey is the proper option to take part in Plastic-Free July. Whether heading just a few hours away from residence or touring cross-country, listed here are just a few suggestions for planning the best, sustainable getaway.
Choose Sustainable Destinations
Spontaneous adventurers might like closing their eyes and pointing someplace on a map. However, a Plastic-Free July requires extra cautious consideration — analysis locations with a repute for environmental friendliness.
For instance, San Diego, California, isn’t taking plastic waste flippantly. The city has successfully redirected 75% of landfill waste to recycling vegetation and picked up meals scraps for composting.
Several cities and states have additionally imposed plastic bag bans. Determine whether or not you’ll cross these pit stops throughout your travels and plan to go to for some time.
Bring Reusable Utensils and Dinnerware
You’re sure to cease to eat someplace throughout your street journey. You ought to carry your individual from residence, somewhat than depend on single-use plastic utensils from the drive-thru. Grab just a few plates from the kitchen cupboard and bear in mind to pack forks, knives and spoons.
Melamine dishes are a a lot better different to ceramic and are much less more likely to break, if you happen to hit a bump within the street.
Pack Reusable Bags and Containers
Bring reusable choices from residence to scale back your use of plastic containers and water bottles. Stainless metal or glass meals containers are nice for storing leftovers throughout travels, whereas a stainless-steel, reusable water bottle will preserve your drinks insulated.
Mesh material baggage are additionally inexpensive options to single-use plastic baggage for buying. Many include drawstrings to forestall gadgets from falling out, whether or not you cease for groceries or different items.
Bring Zero-Waste Snacks From Home
Packing zero-waste snacks helps you lower your expenses, keep wholesome and use much less plastic. These may embody home made granola bars and path mixes with low-carbon seeds and nuts. According to at least one examine, walnuts and sunflower seeds are among the many most sustainable nuts you possibly can eat.
You also needs to carry vegetables and fruit in biodegradable packaging, glass jars or stainless-steel containers. Apples, carrot sticks and celery are tasty choices, particularly with a little bit of peanut butter.
Read Personal Care Product Ingredients
Check components earlier than packing shampoo, toothpaste and different private care gadgets. According to a examine by the Plastic Soup Foundation, nine out of 10 popular brands embody microplastics or microbeads of their merchandise.
This shouldn’t be a shock, although — the report additionally states cosmetics firms use 8,700 metric tons of microplastics yearly, of which 3,800 metric tons enter the setting.
3 Ways to Travel More Sustainably
Sustainable journey is greater than collaborating in a Plastic-Free July street journey — you also needs to take into account different methods to take pleasure in an eco-friendly trip. Here are three extra suggestions for a inexperienced getaway:
1. Support Green Businesses
Shop at inexperienced companies, eat at eco-friendly eating places and keep at eco-lodges and accommodations with sustainability initiatives. These locations prioritize the setting and restrict their affect by decreasing waste.
Nowadays, inexperienced companies are a lot simpler to search out, as many firms have modified their operations and provide chains to fulfill client demand. According to a McKinsey examine, 60%-70% of people are keen to pay extra for merchandise with inexperienced packaging.
2. Choose Experiences Over Things
Rather than fill your suitcase with souvenirs from the locations you go to, go for collaborating in memorable experiences. These actions may embody mountaineering journeys by nationwide parks, zip-lining and different adventurous excursions. Some might even lease a motorcycle to journey round regionally.
3. Minimize Waste While Traveling
Do your half to attenuate waste wherever you go. Avoid buying snacks in plastic wrappings or drinks in plastic bottles and cups while you cease for gasoline.
Also, recycle at any time when potential. If there isn’t a recycling bin close by, maintain onto the waste till you get residence to eliminate it correctly.
Enjoy a Plastic-Free Summer Vacation This July and Beyond
Choosing to go on a plastic-free summer time street journey may have its challenges. Most individuals don’t notice how a lot single-use waste they create day by day. However, committing to decreasing your plastic consumption this July and past will can help you journey extra sustainably and do your half for the planet.
