As we move in to a new month, many people and offices are undertaking the plastic free July challenge.    Originally started in Australia in 2011, this is now considered as one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world, with an expected 250 million participants this year alone.

With this in mind, we have put together some tips that will help you undertake this challenge also in your home and workplace.

1. Start off with just one thing.

Starting off any challenge is very daunting, so just choose one thing that you can commit too, for example, not using cling film or take out coffee cups, why not treat yourself to a reusable cup – check out Monkey Cups in Waterford for some amazing design and ideas.

2. Invest in Bamboo Toothbrushes

Dentists recommend replacing used toothbrushes every three months so why not take a look at bamboo for your next tooth brush.  With their plastic handles and nylon bristles, toothbrushes are among the least likely items to end up in a recycling center.  Take a look at Finders Keepers for some inspiration on overall sustainable living.

3. Wear a re-usable cloth mask

Increased use of personal protective equipment ( PPE) particularly disposable face mask has impacted the amount of plastic in the waste stream.  If possible, choose a cloth mask and why not choose great designs, such as these snuzzles from Mad Jessie.

4. Choose plastic free for your business

If you are in the service industry and your staff are now required to wear face masks, why not choose to go plastic free. Limerick company Eco Straws are now selling masks that are plastic free.

5. Saying no to single use plastic in restaurants

As restaurants are now opening the doors to customers again, the pandemic has more customers ordering takeout than usual. If you are getting takeout, make sure to request upfront that the restaurant does not give you more disposable materials than you need.

6. Cut waste going to the landfill

Ensure that your office has recycling stations available to all members of your team .  You could look at bins for paper, plastic, glass and food waste.   Whether at home or in your workplace, bin audits are a great way to understand waste you’re creating and discover any confusion about the alternatives. For example, if your bin audit shows that family members or co-workers are putting cardboard in the landfill bin, you can check to see if there is a service for it to be recycled.

7. Create a green procurement policy in the office.

This means sourcing good and services that are produced in a sustainable way.   Create a policy that is in line with your company ideals, which might include reducing wate, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving energy and water and using renewable energy sources.

Check out our previous blog post which will provide some more tips on how companies can make themselves greener.