We Made It Through Plastic Free July!
This last month has been an incredibly interesting (and somewhat challenging) adventure! Our entire team pledged to take part in Plastic Free July and we are all super proud of our efforts. To cap off the month, here’s our Upcycle Studio roundup. Featuring our insights, observations and some hot tips for your own plastic free journeys!
May
Why was Plastic Free July so important for you?
I really wanted to put my money where my mouth was and actually commit to going plastic free. I was really conscious of my single use plastic consumption but there were moments where I’d slip up here and there. This month was a huge opportunity for me to try and really phase out as much plastic as possible from my life and see how easy or difficult it would be to keep doing this full time.
What was the most challenging part?
Having to be prepared ALL THE TIME. Going plastic free really does mean that you give up a lot of conveniences. You always have to keep your plastic free “supplies” on you, just in case you might need them! This means carrying around a reusable shopping bag at all times, always sitting in for a coffee or using a reusable cup, or having to ask the butcher to wrap your meat in paper only. (The meat one is definitely hard and I slipped up a few times in the begging, buying some of my meat in plastic packaging. Be persistent though because most butchers are really happy to hear that you don’t want to take a plastic bag with you!)
What’s your #1 tip for going plastic free?
My number #1 tip would be to choose your battles wisely and just tackle things step by step. It’s great to go all guns blazing and try to cut out 100% of plastic, 100% of the time. But this is way too overwhelming and you’ll easily become discouraged when you slip up once in a while. My advice would be to set different goals every week or so. Maybe week 1 is about avoiding plastic shopping bags and week 2 is about removing glad wrap from your kitchen essentials. It’s these little wins that make the rest of the journey much more achievable!
Joanne
What made you decide to participate in Plastic Free July?
I love a good challenge and although we’re already really mindful of our single use plastic consumption, I thought what better way to improve on it than to participate in Plastic Free July? It was such a great way to refocus on this issue and look for interesting, new solutions to some of the lingering plastic in our lives.
What were your biggest challenges this month?
Definitely take away food!! It’s actually really sad how many food establishments don’t take this more seriously. I would be happy to pay extra if it meant I could have my food delivered in cardboard, paper or eco-friendly/packaging. There are loads of takeaway options out there now using cornstarch and bamboo so there really is no excuse.
We found it really tough to find people who were willing to help us out with our requests but would love to thank and congratulate two of our new favourite places. Greek Feast in Glebe was extremely accommodating and happy to deliver all of our food in cardboard boxes. Their delivery driver even arrived cheerily at the door each time wishing us a “Happy Plastic Free July!” Another excellent option is Fat Fish in Annandale, who exclusively use cardboard and paper packaging.
What’s your #1 tip for going plastic free?
Piers
Was Plastic Free July difficult for you to do?
At the beginning, it was difficult to start breaking old habits but I quickly trained myself to be more conscious. I noticed how hard it was to eat or snack on the go while still trying to be plastic free. It’s really easy to just grab some nibblies from the supermarket or a takeaway meal when you’re in a rush but after I started avoiding this, it really wasn’t too hard to keep going.
What is the biggest thing you’ll take away from this experience?
What’s your #1 tip for going plastic free?
Catherine
What was the hardest thing about Plastic Free July?
It was really difficult for me as I live in a household where I don’t actually purchase the groceries. I found it hard to be responsible for other people. In the end, I had to just fight my own fight and do my bit where I could to reduce my own personal plastic consumption! Living in the western suburbs was also quite challenging as there are not many bulk food stores or other eco alternatives.
What would you like to improve upon in the future?
Being more prepared! Sometimes I can be a bit of a last-minute type of person which isn’t helpful when you want to be organised to be plastic-free! It’s definitely a big lifestyle change that you really need to commit to.
What’s your #1 tip for going plastic free?
Keep alternatives with you all the time, even if you think you won’t need it! If you always have a drink bottle in your car, or a reusable bag in your handbag, or some bamboo cutlery at work, you’ll find it much easier to stick to being plastic free.
We’ve learnt this month that going plastic free is quite a challenge but also not as daunting as it seems. It’s been a really great way to educate ourselves on more eco-friendly alternatives and start some habits that benefit our planet. We’d encourage anyone to give it a go. You don’t have to be 100% plastic-free straight away, just remember to do what you can, where you can!
