I’m one week into Plastic Free July and it has been a challenge.
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Day one (Sunday) was going very well – namely because I had no need to buy any plastic – until I went to my afternoon yoga class and left behind my reusable drink bottle.
I did recover the bottle the next day, but it was very typical Jen behaviour. I own four bottles and I will honestly be surprised if I still have all four by the end of this month/ experiment.
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That drink bottle saga was just the first of what I’m referring to as #jenfails.
Day three (Tuesday) saw me neglect to pack lunch and, with a busy day full of police stories and meerkats, by 3.30pm I was starving.
I took a quick trip across the road to Lotus Cafe (a personal favourite) where I chose my own health over the environment (sorry environment) and opted for the rice paper rolls (served in plastic) over a pie (paper bag).
Although plastic containers were not part of my pledge, I couldn’t help but feel I had fallen off the wagon.
But as my colleague Kim Bartley reassured me, life isn’t about being perfect; it’s about having a go. (There’s your life lesson for the day.)
Days four and five were an improvement – I managed to avoid most single use plastics – but on Thursday came another #jenfail.
Despite swapping to a bigger handbag to lug my keep cup, canvas shopping bag and cutlery around, I bought a takeaway coffee sans keep cup.
Luckily, I was at Oliver’s Real Food, where they use compostable takeaway cups, and where the barista asked me if I wanted a lid. (HOW DID SHE KNOW?)
That jolted me back into plastic free mode and, whilst internally cursing myself, I thanked her and declined the lid.
The week ended without incident, but it has brought home just how difficult this month is going to be. I mean, I’m a forgetful person at the best of times!
I’m proceeding under the sage advice that the most important thing is having a go.
Follow my journey on Twitter @JenniferHoar and share your pledges.
Visit www.plasticfreejuly.org/ for more information.