Plastic Free July: Small Swaps for a Healthier Planet

Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and adopt more sustainable everyday habits. While going completely plastic-free can feel overwhelming, the goal isn’t perfection it’s progress. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference over time.

From bathroom routines to household essentials, there are many simple ways to reduce plastic use without sacrificing quality or convenience. By becoming more mindful of what we use and how it’s packaged, we can support both our own wellbeing and the health of the planet.

Why Reducing Plastic Matters

Single-use plastics are designed for convenience but often remain in the environment for hundreds of years. Much of this waste ends up in landfill or oceans, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife.

Reducing plastic use helps:

• Lower environmental pollution
• Decrease landfill waste
• Protect ecosystems and marine life
• Encourage more sustainable production practices

Simple Swaps That Make a Difference

1. Rethink Your Haircare Routine

Your shower routine is one of the easiest places to start reducing plastic. Traditional shampoos often come in single-use plastic bottles that quickly add up.

Switching to solid alternatives is a simple yet impactful change. Brands like Skoon offer solid shampoo bars that eliminate the need for plastic packaging.

Skoon also stands out for its commitment to sustainability:

• Vegan and cruelty-free formulations
• BDIH certified, ensuring environmentally friendly production and natural ingredients from controlled organic agriculture
• One shampoo bar can replace up to three 250ml plastic bottles

These bars are long-lasting, compact, and easy to use making them a practical, low-waste swap.

2. Choose Oral Care with Less Waste

Oral care products often generate unnecessary plastic waste, from toothpaste tubes to disposable plastic toothbrushes.

Jack N’ Jill offers thoughtful, eco-conscious alternatives:

• Toothbrush handles made from non-GMO cornstarch, making them biodegradable and recyclable
• Toothpastes that are all-natural, hypoallergenic, and made with gentle ingredients
• Minimal, BPA-free, and recyclable packaging
• Certified by COSMOS Natural (Ecocert)

• Use of plant-based materials
• Post-consumer recycled plastic in packaging
• Products that meet compostable standards

These choices help reduce waste while keeping everyday routines simple.

3. Upgrade Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning products are often packaged in single-use plastic, but there are more sustainable options available.

Brands like Soaply take a more conscious approach:

Soaply focuses on effective, low-impact cleaning:

• Bottles made from recycled plastic and designed to be endlessly refillable
• Products that are microplastic-free, and free from unnecessary synthetic fragrances and colourants
• Natural origin, gentle, effective formulas that are kind to your skin

Soaply emphasises plant-based, biodegradable cleaning solutions, helping to reduce reliance on harsh chemicals and plastic-heavy products.

4. Switch to Refillable Products

Refillable systems allow you to reuse containers instead of constantly replacing them. Over time, this significantly reduces plastic waste and encourages more sustainable consumption habits.

5. Use Bar Soaps Instead of Body Wash

Bar soaps often come in minimal or plastic-free packaging, making them a simple alternative to liquid body washes in plastic bottles.

6. Choose Reusable Beauty Essentials

Single-use products like wipes and cotton pads can quickly add up. Reusable alternatives such as washable cloths are a more sustainable and cost-effective option.

7. Try Plastic-Free Deodorants

Many deodorants are now available in cardboard tubes or refillable packaging, helping reduce plastic use without compromising performance.

8. Carry Reusables Daily

Small daily habits like carrying a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, or coffee cup can significantly cut down on single-use plastics.

Understanding Eco-Friendly Packaging - Packaging plays a major role in sustainability, and understanding the different types can help you make more informed choices.

Plant-Based Materials - Renewable materials, such as cornstarch-based plastics, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and offer more environmentally conscious alternatives.

Compostable Packaging - Compostable materials are designed to break down into natural elements. Certifications like OK Compost ensure recognised compostability standards.

Recycled and Post-Consumer Materials - Packaging made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic gives existing materials a second life and reduces the need for new plastic production.

Minimal and Recyclable Design

Reducing unnecessary packaging is often the most effective step. Minimal, recyclable designs help lower overall environmental impact.

Why Packaging Choices Matter

Packaging makes up a significant portion of household waste. Choosing products with sustainable packaging helps reduce environmental impact while supporting responsible brands.These everyday decisions contribute to a wider shift towards more sustainable living. 

Even switching just a few products can prevent a significant amount of waste over time, the key is choosing changes that fit your lifestyle.

Understanding Eco-Friendly Certifications

When choosing plastic-free or low-waste products, certifications can help you separate genuine sustainability from marketing claims. These labels are independently verified, giving reassurance that a product meets recognised environmental standards.

For packaging, certifications like EN 13432 and OK Compost indicate that materials are truly compostable meaning they break down under specific conditions without leaving harmful residues.

In beauty and personal care, standards such as COSMOS, Ecocert, and BDIH ensure that products are made using natural ingredients and environmentally responsible production methods.

You may also see indicators like post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, which show that packaging has been made from recycled content, helping reduce the need for new plastic.

It’s important to be aware that terms like “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly” are not always regulated. Certifications provide trusted, third-party proof that a product performs as it claims, helping you make more informed and sustainable choices.