#PlasticFreeJuly, Week 5: I'm still saying no to plastic

July has come and gone and, despite a few hiccups, I managed to keep to my plastic-free pledge.

And I would definitely recommend you give it a go.

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For 31 days I said no to single-use plastic shopping bags, produce bags, drink bottles, cutlery and straws, as well as takeaway cups.

It was tough and I had to change my habits.

Everyday for the last month, I brought a canvas bag to work with me. In it, a reusable cup, cutlery, straw and straw cleaner, and a reusable drink bottle.

My collection of reusable shopping bags now lives in my car boot, and to avoid plastic packaging, I’ve been more diligent in packing my own lunches.

The experience has been eye-opening to say the least. I am much more aware of plastic packaging in the supermarket (it’s everywhere!), as well as in other places like clothing tags.

And while I certainly don’t plan on ditching plastic altogether, I am going to continue to say no to plastic where I can.

And you should too.

You can start super small. Forget Plastic Free July, you can make a pledge anytime. You can make a pledge right now.

Start small.

Why not say “no more plastic straws”? Go out, buy a stainless steel or bamboo straw and a straw cleaner (they’ll cost you less than $7) and whack them in your handbag or car.

Or say “no more single-use plastic shopping bags”.

With the major supermarkets now on board (well, at least one of them), it has never been easier to switch to reusable bags at the checkout.

You can buy the bags supplied, or bring your own, it’s completely up to you.

And if you forget to bring your reusable straw, or cutlery, or bags one day, it’s okay.

As the saying goes, good things take time, and that includes forming new habits.

The most important thing is having a go. Eventually, with a little bit of effort, we can all change our habits.

And our environment, that we will all live in, work in and play in for generations to come, will be better for it!