How To Support Plastic-Free July on a Budget: 7 Cost-Effective Swaps
Looking to support Plastic-Free July without breaking the bank? Our blog post reveals 7 budget-friendly swaps and free ways to reduce plastic consumption.
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes
Plastic Free July is a global movement that brings people together to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Over the last 5 years, participants have collectively avoided 10 billion kgs of waste - that’s around 50,000 blue whales!
As the day is all about reducing plastic consumption and waste, investing in zero waste and reusable essentials can help you successfully avoid the temptation of single-use plastic. The good news is it can help you save money too!
In this blog post, we’ll explore 7 swaps that are not only kind on the planet, but kind on your wallet too. We’ll also look at some free ways to support plastic so that everyone can get involved and make an impact.
Contents
- Is Zero Waste Shopping More Expensive?
- 7 Cost-Effective Swaps For Plastic-Free July
- 5 Free Ways To Support Plastic-Free July
- Final Thoughts: Plastic-Free July On a Budget
Is Sustainable Shopping More Expensive?
Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash
There’s a common misconception that eco-friendly shopping costs more - with brands greenwashing to sell their products at a higher price, the dominance of high-end artisan products in the space, and issues of accessibility, it’s easy to see why!
But we’re here to tell you that’s simply not true. Zero-waste and sustainable shopping is about buying less with more intention. That means saving your dollars on cheap single-use products that add up, and only parting with them on high-quality products you can use time and time again, saving you money in the long run.
As for accessibility, we created ZeroWasteStore to make the greenest choice the easiest one for everyone. Whatever you need - whether it’s tips to make products last or subscriptions for long-term savings - we’ve created many ways to make your dollar go further and reduce waste.
Not convinced? We bust the myth some more in this blog post!
7 Cost-Effective Swaps For Plastic Free July
1. SWAP Liquid Soaps for Soap Bars
Bars generally last 3 times as long as liquid equivalents, and even longer when you use an Agave Soap Saver Bag for the last scraps. So say your shampoo usually costs you $8, and instead, you buy a shampoo bar that costs $16 and lasts 3 times longer, you’d be saving $8!
But we’re here to tell you that’s simply not true. Zero-waste and sustainable shopping is about buying less with more intention. That means saving your dollars on cheap single-use products that add up, and only parting with them on high-quality products you can use time and time again, saving you money in the long run.
As for accessibility, we created ZeroWasteStore to make the greenest choice the easiest one for everyone. Whatever you need - whether it’s tips to make products last or subscriptions for long-term savings - we’ve created many ways to make your dollar go further and reduce waste.
Not convinced? We bust the myth some more in this blog post!
2. SWAP Paper Towels for Reusable Cotton Towels or Clothes
Did you know the US spends as much on paper towels as nearly every other country combined? Take a tip from overseas, and use reusable clothes instead. Just toss them in the wash and reuse them for years (bonus: no more plastic packaging!).
3. SWAP Cleaning Products for DIY Versions
Making your own cleaning supplies or personal care items can be cost-effective (and kinda fun) compared to buying packaged alternatives. Here’s a DIY all-purpose cleaner recipe to get you started:
- 1 cup white of distilled white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (for scrubbing power)
- 1 cup of water
- A few drops of essential oils (to mask the vinegar smell)
Pop it in a Glass Spray Bottle and you’re good to go!
4. SWAP Singular Purchases for Bulk Buying
Bulk buying at stores that offer package-free options can be cheaper per unit compared to individually packaged items. Did you know we also offer Bulk Buy Deals with freebies on many of our products? Here are some of our favorite options:
Buy 3 Floss Refills and get 1 free
Buy 4 Loofah Sponges and get 1 free
Buy 4 Boxes of Laundry Detergent Sheets and get 1 free
5. SWAP Disposable Period Care for Reusable Period Product
The average person who menstruates spends a whopping $9000 over their lifetime on period products. Luckily, there are many reusable options now on the market, from menstrual cups to period underwear, so you can cut the cost while being comfortable.
Period Underwear
$34.00
Reusable Day Pad
$18.99
Reusable Menstrual Disc
$33.00
6. SWAP Plastic Bottles for Reusable Water Bottles
You might have heard this one many times before, but with 60 million plastic water bottles thrown away every year in the US and the price of bottled water being 20000 X more expensive than tap water, it’s worth the reminder!
7. SWAP Take-Outs for Meal Prepping
While take-out food and plastic packaged snacks might seem like a cheap and convenient option, with some smart shopping and a little prep, you can bulk cook the same meals at home for way cheaper.
This article, for example, calculates that a week of buying meals might cost you $215, whilst a week of meal prep might cost you $119.41, saving you $95 a week!
5 Free Ways To Support Plastic Free July
1. Advocate For Policy Change
Advocating for policy change is essential for long-term solutions to plastic pollution. Support Plastic Free July by contacting local representatives, signing petitions, and backing legislation aimed at reducing plastic use.
2. Say NO to Straws
Forgot to bring your stainless steel straw? That doesn’t mean you have to accept a plastic one! You can refuse a straw and drink straight from the cup next time you buy a drink out - if enough people do, who knows, maybe the place will decide to stock more sustainable versions instead?
3. Join A Clean-Up
Participating in a local clean-up is a hands-on way to support Plastic Free July. By removing plastic waste from beaches, parks, and neighborhoods, you help protect wildlife and raise awareness about plastic pollution.
4. Commit to a ‘No Spend Challenge’
This Tiktok trend that is a financial crash diet can help the planet too. It’s about going as long as possible not spending by avoiding unnecessary purchases (especially single-use plastics) and focusing on using what you already have.
5. Educate Yourself
Educating yourself about plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives will help you find your ‘‘WHY’’ for Plastic Free July. Research the environmental impacts of plastic, explore zero-waste practices, and stay informed on sustainability trends.
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