July’s Hot. Plastic’s Not. Here’s How to Use Less of It.
Because no one needs another rogue bread bag in their life.
Ever notice a plastic bag flapping in a tree and thought, “Yup, we’re the problem?” Same. July is a great time to take action—without spiraling into zero-waste guilt. Welcome to Plastic Free July, Field Trip-style: a month to try, not perfect. Go for progress, not purity.
Here’s the deal: Plastics are everywhere. And while it’s tough to avoid them entirely, we can kick a few habits to the curb. Research shows that most Americans use plastic the most in these areas—so we’re starting there, with practical swaps that actually stick.
Field Tip: Try These 15 Plastic-Free Swaps
1. Bottled Water
Americans buy nearly 50 billion plastic bottles a year.
→ Swap it: Bring a reusable water bottle everywhere. Your bag, your car, your desk—make it a habit.
2. Packaging & Single-Serve Snacks
Packaging is the #1 source of plastic waste in the U.S.
→ Swap it: Buy in bulk, skip the mini chip bags, and store snacks in jars or beeswax wraps. Better for the planet and your pantry.
3. Plastic Produce Bags
Those flimsy bags at the grocery store add up fast.
→ Swap it: Bring your own cloth or mesh produce bags—or skip the bag entirely for thick-skinned items like citrus or squash.
4. Pre-Packaged, Processed Foods
Most convenience foods come wrapped in plastic trays or sealed pouches.
→ Swap it: Buy whole fruits, veggies, and bulk items at your local farmers market. Less plastic, more flavor.
5. Takeout Containers & Utensils
Styrofoam, plastic lids, and single-use cutlery are takeout staples.
→ Swap it: Eat in when you can, bring your own container, or ask for no utensils when ordering out. Our favorite reusable takeout or lunchbox containers are Indian tiffins like this one from Serrve International.
6. Grocery Bags
The average American uses 365 plastic bags a year.
→ Swap it: Keep reusable tote bags in your car, bike basket, or backpack. Bonus points for ones that fold up tiny.
7. Coffee Shop Trash
Lids, stirrers, sleeves—it adds up fast.
→ Swap it: BYO mug. Most cafés are cool with it—and some even give discounts. (Need a reusable mug? Pick up a Field Trip mug at our Outfitters shop.)
8. Bathroom Bottles
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash—the shower is a plastic parade.
→ Swap it: Try shampoo bars, bar soap, concentrated products, or refill stations. I am a big fan of Everist for their sustainable packaging, recyclability, and products that pack a mighty punch despite being compact. Everist products last a long time and have been a blessing to my skin and hair.
9. Plastic Straws
Used for minutes, trashed for centuries.
→ Swap it: Just say no, or carry a metal or silicone straw if you like sipping smoothies or iced drinks.
10. Event & Party Trash
Red Solo cups, plastic forks, and snack bags? Classic waste traps.
→ Swap it: Use real dishes, serve snacks in bowls, and pour drinks from pitchers. It’s better for your wallet and your vibe. Our favorite swap for Solos? Pirani tumblers. Same fun vibe, better colors, reusable, stackable (perfect for camping!), and lidded!
11. Online Shopping & Shipping Waste
All those bubble mailers and shrink-wrapped boxes? Yikes.
→ Swap it: Consolidate purchases, buy local when possible, or choose plastic-free shipping options at checkout.
12. Travel Toiletries
Tiny bottles = big waste.
→ Swap it: Use refillable travel containers and solid toiletries for less mess and less plastic.
13. Cleaning Products
Spray bottles, pods, and wipes are often single-use.
→ Swap it: Try concentrates or refillable options in glass bottles. Blueland offers many cleaning products that are not only better for the planet but work beautifully, smell amazing, and save you loads of room in your cabinets.
14. Soft Plastics (Wraps & Films)
Not curbside recyclable in most cities.
→ Swap it: Avoid products shrink-wrapped in plastic. Reuse bread bags or recycle soft plastics at store drop-offs.
15. Telling Just One Friend
Behavior change spreads through conversations.
→ Swap it: Share a tip, a link, or a clever swap. Normalize the idea that progress > perfection.
This story is part of The 89 Percent Project, an initiative of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now.
