In today’s increasingly packaged world, it’s tough to be plastic-free 100% of the time—we get it! Every time you opt for reusables, you keep one more water bottle, one more plastic bag out of our waterways. It all adds up. And sometimes, that means just making one or two small changes to your routine. For Plastic Free July, we’re here to help you #effsingleuse with 10 easy plastic swaps you can try out in your own home. Pick one or two doable options, and see how it goes!
Skip the store-bought carton (it’s lined or manufactured with plastic) in lieu of homemade ice cream and fresh fruit from the farmer’s market. Support your local communityand the planet.
Local bakeries and farmer’s markets often have paper wrappers. Keep your loaf fresh by stashing in a reusable tin.
Intimidated every time you hear this suggestion? You’re not alone. Tip: Bring a friend on your first foray, or ask an employee how the system works. Bring your fillable bags and containers! Note: check with your local store first to see if bins have reopened yet.
Instead, consider a refillable glass pump and tablet solution. Or, try a nourishing bar soap. (Already on the bar soap bandwagon? Consider bar shampoos, conditioners, face soaps, etc!) Shout-out to our friends at Dr. Bronner’s—they make great multipurpose bar soap and refillable liquid cleaning solutions!
To single-use cutlery. If you’re ordering online like many of us these days, be sure to check the button to “skip the plastic forks.” No button? Leave a note in the comments section to let them know you’ve already got a reusable set.
“Half-caf, mocha whip, no lid, no straw.” Even if reusable mugs aren’t allowed everywhere yet, you can still make a difference with your order. Or save all the trouble and make your own! Here's a recipe to make your own cold brew at home.
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen up in places, some grocery stores are allowing reusable bags again. If allowed in your location and market, step up your game with a handful of produce bags pre-stuffed into your ChicoBags so you never have to grab one of those flimsy green lettuce bags again.
Switch your plastic Q-tips for ones with bamboo sticks. You won’t notice the difference. Tip: save the used ones in a small box and use them as kindling for your campfires this summer.
Toothpaste tabs and tooth powder are two of the easiest ways to keep plastic tubes out of the landfill. Stay classic with a natural mint flavor, or get wild with bubblegum or watermelon. (Hint: check out Bite Toothpaste tablets. They’re all-natural, come in a refillable glass bottle, and get delivered to your doorstep in compostable pouches!
Say ‘bye to newfangled shaving cream and dapper up with a mug, bar soap, and brush. For the razor, try a reusable metal option— it cuts down on waste and can last a lifetime.
Plastic Free July offers an opportunity to make years of difference in just one month. Continue the trend with a pledge to #effsingleuse for lifetimes of impact. Two brands, one mission. Together, ChicoBag and To-Go Ware are helping humanity bag the single-use habit with our biggest, boldest campaign ever. We’ve launched an unapologetic movement to eliminate 34 billion single-use items from our waterways and oceans by 2022. Sign the pledge to #effsingleuse.