It’s officially Plastic-Free July! This month we’ll be posting a new challenge daily on our Instagram Stories @livelarq. Don’t forget to follow along for daily challenge reminders! If you haven’t yet, read more about the Plastic-Free July for a free downloadable PDF of the challenge!
Here are some tips & tricks for success this month:
- Don’t psych yourself out! As a society, we’ve become so dependent on single-use plastic that it’s difficult to adjust or eliminate single-use plastic in all aspects of our lives. The purpose of the challenge is to become more mindful of what you’re purchasing and using most frequently.
For example, for some people, buying cases of single-use bottled water is a norm. But we want you to ask yourself two questions: How can you challenge yourself to eliminate the single-use plastic in your life? What are some more sustainable alternatives? When you become more aware, you will make more mindful decisions rather than subconsciously opting for the single-use option every time. - If you absolutely can’t eliminate something, don’t worry. There are likely other single-use plastics in your life that you can focus on that would still make a huge difference. Don’t let it keep you from continuing on the challenge!
- Use what you have left, but next time you do need to repurchase something like plastic wrap, look for more sustainable alternatives like silicone food covers, beeswax paper, or placing the leftovers in tupperware. You can also reserve what you have for situations where you really can’t use a substitute (like for sanitary or health reasons).
- Always pack your reusables when you’re going out. Here’s a checklist:
- Reusable Tote Bag – You never know when you’ll need an extra bag for carrying items. No more single-use plastic bags on unexpected grocery or shopping trips.
- Reusable Straw – We love a good juice or coffee, but without the plastic waste. Some shops may not be taking reusable cups yet, but you can bring your own reusable straw.
- Reusable Utensils – Sometimes restaurants may opt for single-use cutlery for sanitary or convenience reasons. Bringing your own gives you the power to refuse them and use your own!
- Reusable Water Bottle – Everyone needs to stay hydrated (we don’t have to tell you that), and bringing your own reusable water bottle or LARQ Bottle will prevent you from needing to buy bottled water when you’re out and about. Plus, with LARQ, you can refill your bottle at any fountain at the push of a button, without having to worry about germs.
- Reusable Travel Mug – If you’re the type to get a coffee or tea everywhere you go, carrying a reusable travel mug with you or in your car would be a helpful way to avoid single-use plastic. As things open back up post-pandemic, be sure the establishment is allowing customers to use their own reusable mugs first.
- Reusable Handkerchiefs – Plastic packaging is everywhere, including for those travel-sized pocket tissues. With allergies stirring this season, it’s easy to grab the single-use option. However, there is a better solution — handkerchiefs! They’re a more sustainable alternative to tissues and Last Object makes one in a convenient silicone container so that you can keep the used ones and fresh ones separated. You can also upcycle any old clothes to serve as handkerchiefs — a great way to reduce waste!
Tweak your reusables checklist for your needs. Next time you’re out, take note of the single-use plastics that you end up using. Did you tend to buy a smoothie or coffee? Did you have to use single-use utensils? This can help you decide whether or not you need to bring reusable options on your outings. Throw everything in a reusable bag and you’re good to go! Check out more tips & tricks to not forget your reusables.
Want more tips & tricks? We’re on TikTok! Throughout the month of July, we’ll be sharing more tips & tricks on how to kick that plastic habit. Plus, we’ll highlight some nifty reusable options you may not have heard of before. Tune in to the #LARQPlasticFreeChallenge at @livelarq on TikTok and Instagram!