Are you in for the Plastic Free July #choosetorefuse challenge?

It’s simple, for one month, try to avoid using products that are made of plastic. The goal of Plastic Free July (http://www.plasticfreejuly.org) is to raise awareness of the problems the world is facing from the use of single-use disposable plastics, and challenging people to do something about it. I know July is now almost over, but the principle remains the same, make it Plastic Free August or any month you wish.

What are single-use disposable plastics?

Single-use disposable plastics are products made in plastic that can be only used once like
- plastic utensils (spoon, fork, straws)
- takeaway cups
- plastic packaging from pre-packed produce from the supermarket
- coffee cups and lids
- plastic bags
- soft drink and beer can rings
- etc.

Scientists predict that there will be more tonnes of plastic than tonnes of fish by 2050. If the prediction is correct and we, as a society do nothing to prevent this from happening, our children and grandchildren might not live to see fish, as well as taste fresh fish from the ocean. Fish and other sea-creatures don’t have a discernment about what they eat in the ocean, and there is an alarming amount of dead animals being found, where there insides are riddled and filled to the brim with plastic waste. It is a sad sight indeed, and a mess we must help clean up.



We don’t go throwing plastic on the street, why should we do so in the water. Out of sight does not mean it does not exist. Lately, a lot of rescue and awareness groups have been sharing disturbing videos of animals that are victims of our waste (mostly due to single-use disposable plastics and balloons).

What can you do?

• When buying your produce, choose the loose vegetables and fruits instead of the ones bundled in plastics.Do you really want or need the fruit to be presented inside a styrofoam board covered with clingfilm?
• When setting aside left-over food, store them in reusable containers or bowls with cover. Avoid using plastic-wrap and foils.There are many good options now including silicone and beeswax paper wraps.
• Not enough time to prepare your lunch? Make sure you bring your own utensils and refillable water bottles. This will not only save the environment, but also ensure you know you are not consuming unwanted chemicals by using cheap plastic tools.
• Doing your grocery shopping? Avoid products in plastic packaging. You can always transfer them into jars and containers when you get home. Make sure to bring or purchase reusable material shopping bags. Place a couple in the back of your car or handbag for that unforeseen shopping spree!
• Lastly, if you really can’t avoid buying and using plastics make sure to REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE.
  
  Other examples can be found here. (http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/living-plastic-free.html)

Aside from saving our underwater friends, you are also helping sustain the natural flow on our food chain. Reducing plastic usage, also avoids landfill waste which causes pollution. More importantly, you are reducing your eco-footprint which is very vital to global warming.

Many countries are now introducing disposable bags, containers and straws made from cassava or corn starch. This has been led on by the brilliant cassava bags introduced by a company based in Bali, Indonesia, to help resolve their constant battle with plastic waste in the river systems and oceans. Cassava bags will ingeniously dissolve in water after 90 seconds, and could even be safely consumed, although this is not recommended!

Want to accept the challenge or learn more about this? Visit Plastic Free July on http://www.plasticfreejuly.org.

Invigorated Living fully supports this campaign and we encourage everyone, for the betterment of our surrounding, our environment and our Earth, let’s all pitch in and do what we can to help make our future a better one for all!