Plastic Free July isn’t just a hashtag or a fleeting challenge—it’s a global movement inviting folks to rethink their relationship with single-use plastics. And the best part? You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to join in. Small, meaningful actions add up. Whether you’re a seasoned zero-waste warrior or just starting to dabble in sustainable living, your backyard (literally and metaphorically) is a great place to begin.
This July, we’re spotlighting easy, actionable ways you can participate—right from home, with your community, and with products that make it feel good to go plastic-free. Let’s dig in.
Start with What You’ve Got
Before racing to buy new “eco-friendly” gear, take a look around. One of the greenest things you can do is use what you already own. That mason jar you saved from pasta night? A perfect on-the-go cup. That raggedy T-shirt that’s beyond repair? Hello, DIY cleaning cloth. When you get creative with what you have, you reduce waste and resist the pull of shiny greenwashed products that might not be as eco as they claim.
Take stock of your daily plastic habits: Are you reaching for plastic wrap out of habit? Tossing snack wrappers daily? Making note of where plastic sneaks into your routine is the first step to swapping it out for good.
Host a Backyard Plastic-Free Picnic
Gather your people, break out the compostable plates or reusable dinnerware, and host a Plastic Free July picnic right in your own yard (or porch, or driveway—we’re not picky). Ask guests to bring potluck-style dishes in their own containers and ditch single-use cutlery for bamboo or stainless-steel utensils. Cloth napkins, mason jars, and a jug of homemade lemonade? Chef’s kiss.
You can even make it educational without being preachy—set up a “swap table” where folks can trade sustainable goods or demo your favorite zero-waste products (like UNpaper® Towels). Sustainability is more fun when it’s social.
Shop Local—And Intentionally
Supporting local businesses is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint that comes with transporting goods across the globe. But shopping locally and plastic-free? That’s a power move. Hit up your local farmers market with a stash of reusable produce bags and totes. Ask your butcher or fishmonger if they'll accept a reusable container (many do!), and swing by refill stores to stock up on bulk pantry goods without the plastic packaging.
Be mindful of sneaky plastic packaging, even in places that look low-waste. Opt for items that are unpackaged, in compostable wrapping, or in reusable containers. Pro tip: If you’re in a rush, just bring your own containers and ask vendors to weigh them before filling.
Join (or Organize!) a Neighborhood Cleanup
You’d be surprised how many plastic bits hide in your neighborhood green space or storm drain. Grab a friend or a group of neighbors and host a small-scale cleanup. You don’t need fancy gear—a bucket or cloth bag for collecting trash, gloves, and a little motivation go a long way. Not only does it keep plastic out of waterways, but it also helps others see the impact of single-use waste up close.
Can’t find a local cleanup? Create your own event and post about it on community boards or social media. Keep it casual, inclusive, and low-pressure. Bonus: Turn it into a scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged (and let them burn off some summer energy while doing good).
Make Sustainable Swaps That Stick
One of the most effective ways to celebrate Plastic Free July is to replace a few plastic-heavy habits with reusable alternatives—and commit to keeping them year-round. No need to change everything overnight. Instead, pick a few swaps that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle so they’re more likely to stick.
Here are a few of our favorite backyard (and beyond) swaps to get you started:
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Unpaper Towels: Replace paper towels and disposable napkins with washable, reusable cloths that look cute and save trees.
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Reusable Snack Bags: Great for backyard picnics or school lunches—ditch the zip-top plastic bags for washable, food-safe options.
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Cloth Wipes: These aren’t just for babies. Use them in place of tissues, for gentle face cleaning, or as reusable makeup wipes.
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Beeswax Wraps: Skip the plastic wrap and use these to cover leftovers, wrap sandwiches, or keep produce fresh.
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DIY Cleaners in Glass Bottles: Mix your own all-purpose spray with vinegar and essential oils in a reusable bottle.
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Compost Bins: Start a backyard compost or vermicompost system to keep food waste out of landfills and nourish your garden.
Embrace Low-Waste Gardening
Whether you have a sprawling yard or just a few pots on a balcony, gardening is a beautiful way to engage with nature—and cut back on plastic. Avoid plastic seedling trays and nursery pots by repurposing egg cartons or newspaper pots. Choose tools made from wood or metal, and store seeds in envelopes or reusable tins instead of plastic bags.
Mulch with leaves, straw, or grass clippings instead of plastic sheeting, and steer clear of synthetic fertilizers packaged in plastic jugs. Your garden (and the pollinators who visit it) will thank you.
Get the Kids Involved
Plastic Free July is a family affair, and there’s no shortage of fun, age-appropriate ways to include the little ones. Set up a DIY craft station using cardboard, fabric scraps, or natural materials. Try a “plastic audit” challenge where they look around the house for plastic items and brainstorm swaps. Turn snack-packing into a fun ritual using Reusable Bowl Covers or beeswax wraps they get to pick out themselves.
Teaching kids about sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. It can be joyful, hands-on, and empowering—and it helps raise the next generation of eco-conscious humans.
Share Your Journey (Imperfectly)
Social media has a way of turning every movement into a comparison game—but Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. Share your wins, your flops, and your favorite swaps with friends and followers. Post a recipe that helped you avoid plastic, shout out a local refill shop, or show off your DIY picnic setup.
By sharing your journey (however messy it may be), you normalize imperfection and inspire others to give plastic-free living a shot. You never know who might see your post and finally make the switch from paper towels to reusable towels.
Keep It Going Beyond July
The real magic of Plastic Free July is that it gets you thinking—and acting—in new ways. Once you’ve gotten into the habit of reaching for reusable bags or skipping plastic wrap, it’s easier to stick with it long after the month ends.
So when August rolls around, don’t stop. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, keep making conscious choices, and share what you’ve learned with your community. The ripple effect is real.
Want to make it even easier? Check out our plastic-free Sustainable Bundles Collection for swaps that feel good, work well, and are made to last.
