We're halfway through July which means we're also halfway through Plastic Free July. We got a little bit of a late start this year, but we're still excited to share some of the ways we've been ditching plastic to be a little bit better to the planet. 

Started in 2011, Plastic Free July is a key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation. The campaign aims to educate and advocate for a plastic-free lifestyle with the vision of seeing a world free from plastic waste. 

This month, we've tried to reduce our use of single-use plastics, and we hope that you will join us for the last half of the month. Our goal is to create changes in our lives that are 100% adoptable and will be carried out of July and into the rest of the year. 

Bring a reusable water bottle

There's almost nothing easier than forgetting to bring a water bottle. It's so simple to just buy a new one every time you head out. But, there's no need, plus it's not great for your wallet. Instead, opt for a reusable bottle. An app called Refill will let you find the closest place for you to fill up your water bottle. So, there's no reason not to now. 

Pack reusable produce bags 

The amount of plastic that produce is wrapped in is excessive, to say the least. Try to buy your fruits and vegetables free from the plastic wrapping and simply pop them in a reusable produce bag instead. These bags are small and easy to bring along on your food shop. 

Use shampoo and conditioner bars 

Free your shower from plastic clutter by switching to bar shampoo and conditioner. There are so many options out there that it's easy to the right one for your hair. And, they're super easy to pack so perfectly to bring to the gym, pool, or on holiday. 

Refill laundry detergent and household cleaners 

Just down the road from our Herne Hill shop, a new zero-waste store called Jarr Market has recently opened. We took the opportunity to try out some of their laundry detergent and household cleaners. It's great to know we can pop to the shop for a quick and plastic-free refill whenever we need. 

Buy bread from a bakery 

You can't deny it. Bread from a bakery is exponentially tastier than the plastic wrapped preservative stuffed loaves you get from the shop. Choose bread wrapped in paper from the bakery and free yourself from those pesky plastic bread bags. 

Swap your toothpaste 

This is a big one. We brush our teeth every day, so toothpaste is a daily installation in our lives. See if you can trade your plastic tube for something recyclable like aluminum or test out Truth Paste which comes in a glass jar. 

Up your beauty routine

Moisturizers, body scrubs, and soaps often come in all types of plastic packaging. UpCircle's products are packaged in recyclable aluminum or glass with minimal plastic being used for lids. The products are organic and vegan so both the planet and your skin will be happy.