5 swaps for Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is back. Every July, people around the world come together to minimise their plastic use and fight pollution.  It’s easy to take part, especially with a little help from Ethical Superstore.

You don’t have to commit to the full plastic-free experience right off the bat – why not just try and cut down in one or two areas? Every little helps. Here’s five plastic-free swaps you could make this month.

Neon Kactus reusable glass coffee cup

The damage disposable plastic cups have done to the environment is well-documented. The production of a single cup generates between 10 and 30 grams of CO2 – they can last for hundreds of years, shedding microplastics into the environment which can be carcinogenic to humans.

A good reusable cup is a must. Neon Kactus produce a whole range of chic, classy reusable vessels for various drinks – we particularly like the 12oz glass coffee cup, suitable for both hot and cold drinks and available in a range of appealing colours.

Zerolla eco biobased bamboo toothbrush

In conversations about disposable plastic, it’s easy to forget about the humble toothbrush. It’s a daily necessity after all, and far from single-use. But it does eventually get thrown away, and it’s not typically accepted in household recycling thanks to its mixed materials (though specialised toothbrush recycling services do exist).

Zerolla’s toothbrushes are made from bamboo with castor oil bionylon bristles, making them 100% vegan and biodegradable. You can get them with soft, medium or firm bristles, or in a child-friendly size.

Eco Green Living compostable bin liners

Plastic bin bags are everywhere. They’re typically made using non-renewable fossil fuels and stick around a long time, harming wild animals and shedding microplastics in the process. And by their nature you can’t exactly recycle them after use.

What’s needed is a bin bag that naturally degrades over time. That’s exactly what Eco Green Living’s compostable bin liners do. Simultaneously sturdy and lightweight, they decompose in a matter of months, leaving no harmful residues. Check out the 6L, 10L, 30L and 60L sizes.

PlayPress Toys Gruffalo playset

You might feel heartless denying your child a new toy, but it’s worth thinking twice. The toy industry is a huge contributor to the plastic waste problem – just think of how often they get broken, lost or discarded. Making matters worse, many toys are made from mixed materials, limiting their recyclability, so they often end up in landfill.

Playpress’s playsets are different. Made from sustainable wood fibres, biodegradable glue and vegan ink, the whole thing is recyclable, packaging included. Putting the pieces together is half the fun, and when it’s done you’ve got a great platform for imaginative play. The Gruffalo Playset is sure to delight fans of the book, with all the beloved characters appearing in a charming woodland setting.

ecoLiving cleaning starter set

With so many new things to get to grips with, taking your first steps into the world of plastic-free cleaning products can be daunting. Let ecoLiving give you a head start with their cleaning starter set. A dish brush with holder and spare head, dish soap, latex gloves, a pot brush, a loofah and cleaning cloths – it’s all here and all 100% plastic free, with recyclable cardboard packaging.

Feeling inspired? Check out the full plastic-free range on Ethical Superstore and see what works for you – and feel good knowing you’re helping to build a better world.