Embrace Plastic Free July: Tips for a Greener Lifestyle at Tare Market

Plastic Free July is a global initiative aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable living. Founded in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July is a movement that encourages millions of people worldwide to make small and practical changes during the month of July that collectively leads to significant environmental benefits. Because as Anne-Marie Bonneau said, “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.” 

It’s no secret that we’re going through a plastic pollution crisis. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Up to 93% of plastics in your recycling bin actually end up as waste. Every year, millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans and waterways, harming marine life and disrupting ecosystems all over the world. By participating in Plastic Free July, you can start to make some changes in your behavior to begin to make a difference that will leave this world a better place. 

The goal of Plastic Free July is not just to reduce plastic waste for one month, but to inspire long-term, sustainable changes in our consumption habits. By choosing to go plastic-free, you not only benefit the environment but also support a sustainable future for generations to come. At Tare Market, we are committed to offering a variety of zero waste and plastic-free products to help you on your journey. By making plastic-free swaps and taking steps like these towards a healthier lifestyle, you are preserving the planet & our environment. 

Here are some tips to help you embark on this plastic-free journey seamlessly:

1. Make Plastic Free Swaps this month (and beyond)
   We just published another blog post on the Top 21 Plastic Free Swaps You Can Make For Plastic Free July as a guide to the plastic free alternatives you may have never considered for your everyday essentials. We suggest you start with one swap, see how it goes, then add another to reduce the amount of plastic products you rely on.
   
   Living zero waste and sustainably is often perceived as more expensive, but it doesn’t have to be expensive nor out of reach. In fact, shopping plastic free actually usually means a healthier, ethically produced, and longer lasting product.
   
   
2. Practice Mindful Consumption
   This month (and beyond), make sure you are evaluating your purchasing habits and prioritizing the quality over quantity. In a digital world so saturated with online shopping, cheap clothes and products, and next-day delivery, it can be easy to be sucked into overconsumption daily. Before you swipe that card, ask yourself if you truly need that item. Avoid impulse purchases, and opt for durable, long-lasting products that can be repaired rather than replaced. This may mean the item is more expensive, but if it means it will last you longer and can be used over and over, it is the better option overall.
   
   
3. Embrace Minimalism
   This is easier said than done in our day and age, but try simplifying your life by decluttering and reducing unnecessary possessions. Find another use or home for items that no longer serve you, and or repurpose it into something new instead of throwing it away. Adopting a minimalist approach not only reduces waste, but promotes a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle.
   
   
4. Reduce Food Waste
   Did you know that 33% of food ends up in the landfill? Combat food waste by planning your meals beforehand, creatively using up leftovers, composting food scraps, as well as learning about how to properly store your foods! These steps can go a long way in reducing the amount of food waste that hits the landfill. Read more on our Mastering a Zero Waste Kitchen blog post here.
   
   
5. DIY & Upcycling
   Instead of throwing something away, think about how it can be repurposed or upcycled. For example, berries more often than not come in plastic clamshell containers in order to keep them fresh. Although these are recyclable, they also make great containers to plant herbs or other plants at home. Repurpose as many materials you can for crafting, home decor, or other solutions to reduce waste. 
   
   
6. Support Sustainable Brands and Practices
   There are millions of businesses out there, but you have a choice in where you shop & who you buy from. Choose to support businesses and brands, like Tare Market, that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. We vet every single product we carry beforehand to ensure that the product is not only a great zero waste product, but that it’s made ethically & its ingredients are sourced safely & also safe for you.
   
   
7. Use an Alternative Form of Transportation
   This may not be available nor possible for everyone, but whenever possible, use an alternative form of transportation to driving. Opt instead for walking, biking or using public transportation whenever possible to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels. Carpooling and planning efficient routes can also minimize your environmental impact and can make a significant difference.
   
   
8. Educate and Advocate
   We are here as a resource for anyone who is embarking on the zero waste journey and are on a mission to not only provide you with fully vetted zero waste products, but also to provide you with as many resources as possible to make the journey even easier.
   
   As you begin making plastic free swaps in your life, it’s important to continue learning and spreading awareness about the benefits of this lifestyle as well because the more people we have practicing zero waste, the larger difference we can make together! 
   

Embracing a zero waste lifestyle isn’t just about reducing the amount of waste we produce, it’s a commitment to living in harmony with our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. Plastic Free July is just the beginning, and it is a hopeful annual movement to encourage individuals and communities to develop impactful habits when it comes to their consumption and plastic-use, not only in the month of July, but beyond. 

By incorporating more and more of these tips & practices into your lifestyle, you are not only reducing waste but also cultivating a deeper appreciation for resources and possessions we already have. 

But the zero waste lifestyle can’t be adopted overnight — it takes time to incorporate these new changes and habits into your daily lifestyle, but every single small step forward towards the zero waste lifestyle matters. Make sure you are celebrating your progress each step of the way whilst learning from any setbacks you may make, and continuing to explore new ways to reduce waste in your daily life! As a community, we can make a huge difference in reducing our environmental impact.

At Tare Market, we’re committed to supporting your journey towards a zero waste lifestyle with a selection of eco-friendly products and resources designed to help you make sustainable choices every day. 

Join us in embracing a zero waste lifestyle and be part of the solution. Together, we can make a positive impact and create a more sustainable world for all! 

Sources:

• https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
• https://ourworldindata.org/how-much-plastic-waste-ends-up-in-the-ocean#:~:text=The%20OECD%20Global%20Plastics%20Outlook,is%20around%201%20million%20tonnes.
• https://refed.org/food-waste/the-problem/#:~:text=Overall%2C%20ReFED%20estimates%20that%2033,roughly%201.8%25%20of%20U.S.%20GDP