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 Welcome to Plastic Free July!
Plastic Free July is an initiative that began in Australia in 2011 as an effort to help people reduce the amount of plastic they encounter on a day-to-day basis. It has now grown into the Plastic Free Foundation, a global non-profit. Plastic Free July is a challenge and an opportunity to figure out how we can each take steps to reduce plastic in our lives. We invite you to join us this month (and beyond!) as we figure out how to reduce and refuse plastic.
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How can we reduce plastic at the grocery store?
Here are some of our favorite ways to reduce plastic usage while at the grocery store:
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Remember your reusable bags! Keep a stash in your car, at your desk at work, or by the front door of your home so you don't forget to bring them with you.
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Shop the bulk food section: Many grocery stores offer foods, and sometimes even products such as soap or shampoo, in big bulk bins. Bring your own containers and fill up on your pantry staples while avoiding the plastic!
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Keep an eye on packaging: Are your favorites available in plastic-free packaging? If not, can you choose more efficient packaging (e.g. a snack in one big bag rather than many small, individually-wrapped portions).
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How can I reduce plastic in my personal life?
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Commit to eliminating single-use cups: Make a commitment to remember your reusable thermos for your tea or coffee. Single-use paper cups are lined with plastic and cannot be recycled or composted.
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Try out a new shampoo: There are many plastic-free alternatives for shampoos and conditioners; some companies make bar shampoo and conditioner. There are also bulk stores where you can refill an existing bottle you already have with liquid shampoo and conditioner!
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Try a "buy nothing" month: Plastic Free July is a great time to try a "buy nothing" month. This means only buying necessary items like groceries, toiletries, etc. and avoiding buying clothes, shoes, and devices. Building new habits of mindful purchasing can help us avoid plastic from products and packaging.
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Ready to Dive In? Try a "Plastic Audit"!
Do you want to understand how much plastic is in your life? Conduct a plastic audit! Collect any plastic item you use in a separate bin for a week. At the end of the week, take an inventory of the items you've collected. Next, use this information to decide how you can reduce or eliminate some of these items. Take one step at a time, and remember that we all start somewhere - rather than feeling discouraged by the plastic you find in your audit, focus on the opportunity to improve!
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Thank you for receiving updates from Zero Waste Marin.
Please share this newsletter with anyone you think would be interested in keeping up with our waste reduction efforts!
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