Join many other in celebrating Plastic Free July with the help from these DIY Plastic Free July ideas and tutorials. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By reducing plastic we help to create cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. All it takes is a few small changes to start making a difference, this is something we can all do!

There are items that you can make at home to use in the place of plastic items. Swapping out a few basic items is a great place to start. Today we will show you how you can make some simple changes towards reducing plastic.

If you would like to find out more about Plastic Free July and join the official challenge then click here to find out more. There is a great quiz over at the Plastic Free July website which will give you a great insight into ways that you could improve with reducing plastic. The website also includes loads of ways to help you reduce your plastic usage.

DIY Plastic Free July

Eating and Drinking

There are a few areas that are easy to improve related to reducing plastic when eating and drinking.

Straws

Both at home and out refuse plastic straws. Some drinks are just better with a straw but you can now get a range of reusable straws that are way better than the disposable plastic straw. There is a range of different reusable straws, ones with soft silicone tips for those that don’t like the feel of stainless steel, straws that come in a travel case for people who need a straw while out and about, and even extra-wide straws to tackle the thickest of drinks. Reusable straws usually come with a handy brush to ensure your straws can be perfectly cleaned between use.

Ditch The Plastic Wrap

There are very few occasions that call for the use of plastic wrap. Leftovers can be stored in containers or covered with beeswax wraps. Sure many food storage containers are plastic but the difference is that these are designed to be used over and over again. If looked after one reusable container will last you years!

Sure you can buy your own beeswax wraps but it is really easy to make your own. I have seen a few ways to make beeswax wraps online but Mindful Momma has a very simple way which works. My daughter made these at kindergarten they are that easy!

When making a lunchbox up skip the plastic wrap. There is no need to wrap sandwiches or snacks. There is a massive range of lunchboxes that have separate compartments so you simply put the food item in the section which is the best fit. My girls both have this Sistema lunchbox which is affordable and has lots of space, it can even fit a small apple. Another option if you want to wrap sandwiches but don’t want to use beeswax is to use a piece of fabric.

Drinks

A simple way to reduce plastic is to buy yourself a reusable drink bottle. Not only is this better for the environment but you will save yourself lots of money over time. A reusable coffee cup is perfect for your morning coffee or slow down the pace on your busy life and enjoy your coffee sitting at the cafe.

Shopping

Keep a reusable shopping bag on you so it is easy to avoid taking home items in disposable plastic bags. There is a great range of reusable shopping bags available to buy from compact bags which can be kept in your handbag to big sturdy ones and even grocery cart divider bags which makes shopping a breeze.

Sewing your own shopping bag is a sewing project that almost anyone can do. We have a few articles on sewing your own bag so you can find the bag that best suits your need.

Sew Your Own Eco Friendly Shopping Bag.

6 Super Easy Market Bags To Make Today.

10 DIY Bags That You Need.

How To Upcycle T-Shirts Into A Reversible Eco Shopping Bags.

Solid Skincare & Haircare

If you haven’t tried solid skincare or haircare bars then you are missing out! These are compact bars where a little goes a long way. Body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, face cleanser, you name it and chances are it is available in a solid bar form.

It is possible to make your own solid beauty bars. If solid skincare is really not for you then why not make your own skincare products? Here are some of our articles on DIY skincare.

5 Homemade Solid Shampoo Bar Recipes.

7 Homemade Hair Treatments.

5 DIY Soothing Lip Balms.

10 DIY Face Masks For Healthy Skin.

5 Homemade Solid Lotion Bars.

Collect Rubbish

If you see some rubbish then pick it up! A beach or park clean-up can be a fun outing to do with family or friends. In our article World Oceans Day Activities, we have included a free Beach Scavenger Hunt to make picking up rubbish even more fun for kids.

We would love to hear about your top ways to reduce plastic. Why not join us and take the challenge to go plastic-free for July.

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