Are you doing/did you do Plastic Free July? Plastic Free July (PFJ) is exactly what it sounds like – a whole month without single-use plastic. There are often two reactions to this. The first is: “that’s impossible”. The second is: “well, a month isn’t going to make a difference, is it?”
Understandable reactions. However, PFJ is designed to give you the practice, power and perseverance to continue your plastic free journey through to other months. Consistent reduction makes an actual difference, one we long to see.
Reducing single-use plastic isn’t just about plastic in our oceans and landfills; it’s about reducing our carbon footprint and looking after our health (chemicals and microplastics in your food and beverages anyone?).
But I hear you; it is hard, it is daunting, it sounds expensive, and our society (and government) sets us up to fail. Whether you are doing PFJ casually, militantly, or not at all, with plastic reduction failure is inevitable. Trust me – no matter how good your intentions are, society will rarely be on the same page.
(Meg Shooter uses steel razors, and bars for body wash, shampoo, and conditioner which come in paper bags to avoid using plastic containers. Picture Credit: Meg Shooter, 2025)
What to do when you ‘fail’?
Firstly, there is no ‘failure,’ only lessons learned, so stay strong, dedicated, remember the lesson learned and lead by example. It takes practice, confidence and planning to refuse/not need single-use plastics. It can be scary standing your ground or bringing a container to get lunch from a café/takeaway, especially the first time. In my experience, when you set a good example it only ever has positive impacts.
Any kind of behavioural change needs to happen slowly, whether it’s going as plastic free as you can, reducing your meat consumption, or going completely vegan, there is no failure when you try. Be kind to yourself, forgive yourself. There is too much stress in life to add on trying to be perfect in a plastic driven world. It isn’t worth the anguish. Learn from your experiences without punishment. Stay strong.
Love,
Meg
Feel free to email envirocollective@student.westernsydney.edu.au for any tips on how to reduce plastic, or visit Plastic Free July.
