Step by Step Challenge
On this page you will find all our tips to switch to a plastic free lifestyle, step by step.
Plastic is everywhere, it's a real challenge to change habits and find alternatives, it takes a lot of rethinking. We know because we've been there.
Our first advice is: use what you have and then when you have to replace an item, take the time to think about what you need, ask questions to the brands you've found (don't believe marketing claims, there's a lot of greenwashing out there unfortunately) and ask around, there are many groups (Facebook, Reddit, etc) where people share their experience.
Don't forget to celebrate your victories, share them with your friends and family to inspire them, and leave a review to your local businesses and brands that are making so much efforts to offer plastic free solutions, they need your support.
Thank you for starting this journey and for doing your part to protect our precious planet, we hope our tips will be helpful!
Plastic Free July 2020
In 2020 we decided to talk about a variety of environmental issues beyond plastic cups and straws. Scroll down to learn tips, information, and action items on issues ranging from environmental justice to recycling to COVID-19.
We hope this will be helpful during your plastic free journey!
Day 1: Reusables and COVID 19
Day 2: Plastic Peak Foundation
Day 4: Buy Nothing Project
Day 5: Environmental Justice: Plastic Production
Day 6: Gardening
Day 7: Food Deserts and Plastic Waste
Day 9: It's All Connected
Day 10: Our Favorite Unpackaged Products!
Day 11: Food Waste and Gardening
Day 13: Money-Saving Plastic Free Swaps
Day 14: Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Day 15: Farmers' Markets
Day 16: Call On Companies to Reduce Plastics
Day 17: Secondhand Furniture
Day 19: Compost
Day 21: Support Restaurants and Reduce Waste
Day 23: A Sustainable Garden
Day 25: Offset your Carbon Footprint
Day 27: DIY with Bulk Ingredients
Day 29: Eco-Friendly Renovation Tips
Day 31: More Local Plastic Free Solutions!
Plastic Free July 2019
With the impacts of the climate crisis becoming increasingly apparent, the problem has only gotten more dire and the need to make enormous changes in our lives is pressing. The lifestyles we lead in Western countries are not sustainable, and we don’t acknowledge that the countries who have contributed the least to this problem are suffering first and worst.
So in 2019, we used Plastic Free July to discuss solutions to the plastic crisis and the climate crisis. For instance, buying a shampoo bar is a great choice to reduce single-use plastic. But if it’s shipped from the other side of the world, is it really worth it? The issues go hand-in-hand.
We at FillGood are not perfect either; we just want to give you the tools to start making more sustainable decisions, whether you’re buying a toothbrush or trying out meatless Monday.
July 9th: Closing the Refill Loop
July 13th: Reuse, Reuse, Reuse
July 30: Plastic Free Vacation
Plastic Free July 2018
This Plastic Free Challenge was co-written by Fillgood and Zero Waste California and inspired by the Plastic Free July Foundation!
You can try one action a day, or one a week, it's really up to you.
Day 1: Why reducing disposable plastics in our daily life?
WEEK 1: Be Plastic Free On The Go
Day 2: No more disposable plastic straws!
Day 4: Refill your water bottle
Day 7: Bring your own Containers
Week 2: Plastic Free Kitchen
Week 3: Plastic Free Bathroom
Day 20: Shampoo, soap, conditioner
Day 21: Refilling lotions and more!
Week 4: Living Plastic Free with Kids
(Picture credit: SF Chronicle)
Day 26: Cloth and Compostable Diapers
Day 27: Cloth wipes and DIY lotion