Plastic seems to be everywhere. At times it can feel unavoidable (especially in recent months), despite us all knowing that it takes between 500-1,000 years to break down. And even then, what is left is harmful micro-plastics that pollute our environment, water systems, food chains, oceans and ultimately our bodies.
But it IS possible to make swaps. There ARE plastic free alternatives out there.
Plastic Free July is a personal challenge that is part of a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Choose just one thing to change / refuse (and you'll soon find there's so many more that will follow).
Plastic Free July: How are you doing?
Now, we're two thirds through July, how are you doing? Have you made a swap yet? Let me know in the comments below. Whether you have already, or still working on it, here is your ultimate list of some Plastic Free July ideas of things you can easily swap into your daily life.
Have a browse through. What catches your eye? What takes your fancy? What one swap you can make today....??
(10% Discount across the whole site, for the whole of July with the Discount Code PLASTICFREEJULY)
Your Ultimate List of Plastic Free & Sustainable Alternatives for Plastic Free July
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrush 🌱
Instead of a plastic toothbrush, switch to one with a bamboo handle. Fast-growing bamboo grows without the need for artificial watering, making it water-neutral. The petroleum-free bristles are made from renewable raw materials (castor oil).
🌱 Biodegradable Bamboo & Organic Cotton Buds 🌱
Bamboo & Cotton Buds are biodegradable, compostable, and totally plastic-free. After usage, you can dispose of the cotton swabs by simply throwing them into your organic waste or compost.
🌱 Natural Sisal Soap Pouch 🌱
Instead of a plastic shower 'puff' use a soap pouch and soap bar instead. This soap pouch is made from 100% biodegradable sisal, a natural fibre that comes from the Agave Sisalana plant and is stronger and more durable than other natural fibres.
🌱 Glass Spray Bottle 🌱
Reduce your plastic footprint, and invest continuing your zero waste journey, with this 500ml glass spray bottle. Being glass, our bottles are BPA-free and non-toxic so no harmful chemicals can transfer into the bottle contents. Perfect for: Homemade (or bulk bought) cleaning products; Homemade linen or room spray; Apple cider vinegar to rinse your hair
🌱 Contented Earth Beeswax Bread Wraps 🌱
Beeswax coated fabric bread wraps - the eco-friendly alternative to cling-film, aluminium foil and plastic sandwich bags. They are reusable and biodegradable, and do not leach any nasties into your food.
🌱 Biodegradable Washing Up Brush 🌱
A biodegradable and highly durable multipurpose cleaning brush, which has been designed to bring sustainable style to your kitchen, with the functionality to deliver a superior clean. The handles are made from FSC accredited timber and are in line with our environmental core values. The bristles are made from sustainably farmed coconut husks.
🌱 Contented Earth Beeswax Wraps (Pack of 3) 🌱
Beeswax coated fabric wraps - the eco-friendly alternative to cling-film, aluminium foil and plastic sandwich bags. They are reusable and biodegradable, and do not leach any nasties into your food.
🌱 Plastic Free Lipbalm 🌱
This plastic free We Luv Eco lipbalm is made with food-grade natural ingredients and is packaged in a specially designed push tube, which, along with the lip balm itself, is completely biodegradable.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Shampoo 🌱
Lamazuna zero waste Solid Shampoos are handmade in France, from natural ingredients and are palm-oil free. They are plastic free (and therefore BPA free), eco-friendly, sustainable cruelty-free and 100% vegan.
🌱 Natural Orsa Sandstone Nail File 🌱
A 100% natural nail file handmade sandstone from Dalarne in central Sweden. The file efficiently and quickly forms the nail and even a dry nail tape can gently be filed away so the skin becomes soft and smooth again. It replaces other nail files where parts of it are usually plastic. It is beautiful, very effective on both nails and cuticles and safe to bring on flights.
🌱 Reusable Sandwich Wrap 🌱
A zero waste alternative to single-use cling film or any other disposable wrappers, the Boc'n'Roll sandwich wraps are reusable and environmentally friendly. They have easy velcro fasteners, so you can wrap up all different food shapes and sizes. They are convenient, compact, machine washable and can also serve as an individual placemat / table-cloth, when you're out and about or your kids are at school.
🌱 Plastic Free Lavender or Lemongrass Soap 🌱
These plastic free Lavender or Lemongrass Soaps have the most wonderful, aromatic smell. They are made from Olive and Coconut Oils, Sunflower Seeds and Shea Butter, and is palm-oil free. They can be used for both body and hair. The soap is made by hand in Germany and packed in a recycled cardboard box.
🌱 Plastic-Free Chewing Gum 🌱
The UK's first and only plant-based, plastic-free gum. 100% compostable, natural and vegan. Unlike regular chewing gum, Chewsy is completely plastic-free and made from plants with no nasty chemicals such as aspartame, artificial flavours and sweeteners.
🌱 Compostable Organic Bamboo Plasters 🌱
Patch Organic Bamboo Plasters are made from 100% soft, organic, compostable bamboo fibre, and enriched with the natural goodness of activated charcoal, aloe vera extract and coconut oil. Patch plasters are hypoallergenic and perfect for those with sensitive skin.
🌱 Plastic Free Toothpaste Tablets 🌱
This plastic free pack of Toothpaste Tablets comes either in a refillable and recyclable metal tin or in a home compostable bag. These toothpaste tablets are 100% vegan and plastic free, and available in Fluoride-Free or With Fluoride. The tin is food-safe and made in the UK.
🌱 Biodegradable Scourers (twin pack) 🌱
Biodegradable and highly durable multi-purpose scourers, which have been designed to bring sustainable style to your kitchen, with the functionality to deliver a superior clean. The bristles are made from sustainably farmed coconut husks. It is naturally antibacterial, free from toxic chemicals and easily removes mould.
🌱 Plastic Free Organic Body Butters 🌱
A blend of organic shea butter and extra virgin olive oil. Shea butter (which contains naturally occurring vitamins A, E & F) is the African treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, scarring sunburn, itching, insect bites & skin blemishes and this is the key and main ingredient in this body butter. With its incredible anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce irritation makes it such a brilliant healer.
🌱 Reusable Glass Coffee Cup 🌱
Neon Kactus reusable glass cups have a textured thermal sleeve and ergonomically designed splash proof lid (made from fully recyclable food grade silicone), which means you can enjoy your coffee on the go. Glass is non-toxic and non-leaching, meaning the cup material won’t leach into your drink.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Deodorant 🌱
This zero waste, aluminium-free and alcohol-free deodorant bar from Lamazuna is made with 100% natural ingredients. It offers effective protection against odours and bacteria through the Palmarosa Essential Oil, and the Bicarbonate of Soda regulates your body's pH balance. And it is palm-oil free. The packaging is totally plastic-free, coming simply in a recyclable cardboard box.
🌱 Plastic Free Zero Waste Dish Soap Bar 🌱
A Zero Waste Dish Soap Bar with a rich, sudsy lather. Perfect for removing stubborn grime and grease on dishes, pots and pans, with added aloe vera to be gentle on your hands. It is completely unscented and fragrance-free. You can even use it for cleaning-duty all over your home. Take stains out of laundry, take labels off of jars, spot clean your carpet, use it to wipe down counters... it's a truly multi-purpose product.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Facial Cleansers 🌱
Make your bathroom even more plastic-free, with these zero waste, vegan, Solid Facial Cleansers by Lamazuna. Available in: Exotic - for normal skin & Grapefruit - for oily skin.
🌱 Reusable Plastic-Free Glass Straw 🌱
A fabulous alternative to plastic straws, the super strong reusable, glass straw. Unlike plastic, glass isn’t porous so it won’t leach into your mouth or drinks ever! The straws are BPA free and toxin free. Hand made in the USA by Strawesome, the borosilicate, also known as the same glass used in Pyrex®, can withstand temperatures below freezing and up to over 800 degrees Celsius!
🌱 Natural Conjac Sponge 🌱
Hydrophil's Conjac sponge is 100% plant-based and made from the Conjac plant, and therefore totally plastic-free. Its root is ground to flour, which is then mixed with water and baked in the oven until it becomes a sponge. It moisturises and through its alkaline property can help to fight acne. It is also suitable for washing infants and small children due to its soft, gentle and natural surface.
🌱 Plastic Free Lipbalm 🌱
This nourishing lip balm contains nothing but 3 ingredients: Shea Butter, Almond Butter and Hemp Wax, and comes in completely plastic-free packaging. It is free from artificial fats, or oils, such as paraffins, petroleum derivatives and silicone.
🌱 Plastic Free Natural Bristle Toilet Brush & Holder 🌱
The toilet brush has plant-based bristles so will not shed micro-plastics into the ocean. The metal holder is reusable and recyclable after use. The brush is made with natural coir/tampico bristles (from coconut fibre and the agave cactus). This toilet brush is 100% biodegradable and compostable at the end of its life.
🌱 Plastic Free Stainless Steel Loose Tea Infuser 🌱
This plastic free stainless steel Tea Basket is a reusable, tea bag alternative perfect for brewing loose tea leaves and reducing waste, eliminating the frustrating micro-plastics found in many big brand tea bags. It’s easier than most to clean, load and unload as its hinged top completely opens. It’s the perfect size to fit into most standard cups, mugs or mason jars.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Deodorant 🌱
Natural Vegan Deodorant is a food-grade natural product. This entire package is made with recycled paper and is fully compostable and environmentally friendly – from packaging to naturally biodegradable ocean friendly formulas.
🌱 Biodegradable Washing Up Scraper 🌱
This plastic free LoofCo Washing Up Scraper is hand-made from coconut husk, and so is 100% biodegradable. This Washing Up Scraper is a plastic free alternative to washing up scourers. It fits neatly in the hand and is ideal for removing baked-on food from pans and baking trays without scratching. Each scraper will last many months and when worn out can be composted.
🌱 Compostable Sponge Cleaning Cloths (pack of 4) 🌱
A set of compostable sponge cloths, 100% plastic-free and made of natural renewable resources. The cloths do not emit micro-plastic pollution, unlike classic sponge cloths. Made with 70% cellulose and 30% cotton. Water-based inks. 100% natural sponge cloths. Certified according to Oeko-Tex standard 100. These sponge cloths are very absorbent, durable and reusable. Home compostable after use.
🌱 Biodegradable bamboo charcoal water filters 🌱
Biodegradable bamboo charcoal water filters. Reusable, then compostable and zero waste. Suitable for a 1 litre jug of water. A pack of 4 packed in a reusable natural cotton bag. Place the filters in jug or bottle filled with tap water and they will slowly filter out impurities such as chlorine and chloramines.
🌱 Reusable Plastic-Free Glass Kids' Straw 🌱
A fabulous alternative to plastic straws, the super strong reusable, glass straw. This size of straw is kid tested (and mum approved) to make drinking easier for little ones. Unlike plastic, glass isn’t porous so it won’t leach into your mouth or drinks ever! The straws are BPA free and toxin free.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Body Butter 🌱
This solid Cacao Body Butter is vegan, 100% natural and handmade in the Chevreuse Valley in France, and is palm-oil free. Organic cocoa butter moisturises without being greasy on your skin, while Baobab Oil nourishes, improves skin elasticity and soothes dry skin.
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrush Case 🌱
This eco-friendly Hydrophil Toothbrush case consists of is made of especially fast-growing bamboo. Bamboo grows without the need for artificial watering, making it water-neutral. It is equipped with vent holes to prevent your toothbrush from odours and mould, and its naturally antibacterial.
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrush with Charcoal & Nylon Bristles (Adult) 🌱
BPA and phthalate free. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, and is an endlessly renewable resource. It grows naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers, takes in greenhouse gasses and produces 35% more oxygen than the equivalent trees. The SOFT bristles are made from carbonised bamboo dust (90%) mixed with Nylon 4 (10%) bristles. These bristles contain micro-particles of active charcoal to help naturally brighten teeth and disinfect the mouth.
🌱 Reusable Organic Cotton Tea Bags (bundle of 5) 🌱
Reusable organic cotton tea bag for loose tea, ideal for reducing waste and plastic. They are designed for infusing loose tea or herbs, and can be used with mugs or tea pots. The cotton tea bags are biodegradable and compostable when they need replacing.
🌱 Plastic Free Biork Crystal Deodorant Stick 🌱
Biork is 100% natural and plastic free crystal deodorant stick. Biork crystal deodorant is a sustainable roll-on plastic free deodorant. Perfect for a zero waste lifestyle. Sweating is a natural bodily function that regulates body temperature. These bacteria are responsible for unpleasant odour. Biork crystal deodorant slows the production of bacteria and prevents the build-up of unpleasant odours. It lets the skin breath and perspire naturally.
🌱 Natural Orsa Facial Peeling Stone 🌱
This plastic free facial peeling stone is handmade from natural Orsa sandstone, from Dalarne in central Sweden. It replaces other exfoliators, not made from natural materials and often contain plastic and / or come in plastic packaging. As the peeling stone is made from a natural sandstone it lasts a lifetime. Use the peeling stone in the shower and save money on expensive and chemical exfoliating cremes often filled with micro plastic!
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Toothpaste 🌱
A natural, vegan and zero-waste solid toothpaste, which uses calcium carbonate to clean your teeth and a few drops of essential peppermint oil to keep your breath fresh, and is palm-oil free. Handmade in France and comes on a compostable stick. The packaging is totally plastic free, simply coming in a recyclable cardboard box.
🌱 Plastic Free Soap Box 🌱
Your plastic-free alternative to storing solid soaps, this tin-plated Stainless Steel Soap Box offers the ideal storage option for bar soaps of all common sizes. It will even fit a bar of soap still inside a Sisal Soap bag too.
🌱 Plastic Free Coconut Fibre Bottle Brush 🌱
Plastic-free bottle brush is made from coir fibre twisted around a recyclable and rustproof metal core with an integrated hanging loop. Ideal for wine glasses, baby's bottles and stainless steel flasks. 100% Vegan, Non-scratch.
🌱 Biodegradable Washing Up Pad 🌱
Washing Up Pads made of natural loofah plant, plastic-free and vegan - 100% biodegradable alternative to plastic washing-up sponges. When immersed in water swells up to become a soft, spongy and flexible pad. It’s soft enough for non-stick pans and supple enough to fit into mugs. Each durable pad will last for months and when worn out can be composted.
🌱 Biodegradable Cleaning Pad 🌱
A 100% biodegradable, plastic free Cleaning Pad, hand-made from layers of natural loofah plant, stitched together for extra scrubbing power. When immersed in water will swell up and become a spongy, flexible yet robust pad that will not scratch. It is ideal for cleaning surfaces, chopping boards, baths, sinks, tiles & taps. It will last for months with normal use and when worn out can be composted.
🌱 Reusable Interdental Brushes with Bamboo Handles 🌱
Interdental Brushes with a plastic-free bamboo handle. The bristles are made from Nylon 6 produced by DuPont, a reputable manufacturer - so not 100% plastic-free, but a huge reduction in single-use plastic use, as the majority of the brush is the handle. Used together with our Bamboo Toothbrush means you not only protect your teeth and gums, but at the same time you protect the environment.
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrush with Bamboo & Nylon Bristles (Kids) 🌱
🌱 Bamboo Toothbrush with Bamboo & Nylon Bristles (Adult) 🌱
BPA and phthalate free Bamboo Toothbrushes, with solid moso bamboo for their handles. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, and is an endlessly renewable resource. It grows naturally without using any pesticides or fertilizers, takes in greenhouse gasses and produces 35% more oxygen than the equivalent trees. Bamboo toothbrush handles are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial.
🌱 Plastic Free Organic Facial Scrub 🌱
Made with Sea Salt and Sunflower Oil and other natural ingredients, these plastic free and organic facial scrubs provide a 100% natural alternative to high-street versions, packed full of plastic micro-beads. These facial scrubs will stimulate, exfoliate and moisturise your skin and will delight your nasal senses at the same time.
🌱 Plastic Free Hand Poured Organic Soy Wax Candles 🌱
Small batch organic soy wax candles hand poured into aluminium tins, in the heart of East Sussex. Using 100% essential oils and a cotton wick, for a fresh fragrance and clean burn.
🌱 Reusable Insulated Stainless Steel Bottles 🌱
Double walled reusable and refillable metal sports canteen are made with premium food grade materials are BPA-free and are Eco-friendly. They are totally leak proof, and the silicone seals mean no plastic ever needs to touch your water again. The bottle has a rubber base for soft landings. The lids are insulated for extra temperature control, and have quick twist and soft silicone close.
🌱 Reusable Snack Packs 🌱
Reusable, washable snack packs made from high quality organic cotton with yellow and easy velcro closure. The cotton used is 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton. It is screen printed with low-impact fabric dyes that are independently tested to be free of azo dyes, heavy metals and formaldehyde. The lining used is a water-resistant, food safe polyester (so although not plastic-free, a buy once, use forever item and not single-use plastic).
🌱 Reusable, Stainless Steel Bottles 🌱
Our stainless steel, bpa-free water bottles are reusable, chemical free and great alternatives to disposable plastic bottles. Not only reusable, they are recyclable too. And stainless steel is a super safe option when it comes to use in bottles, as there are no chemicals that can migrate into your drink. The bottles come with both twist cap and a sports cap (not plastic-free, but buy once, use forever), and fit in most bottle-holders.
🌱 Reusable Organic Cotton Produce Bags 🌱
Go plastic free when you buy your loose fruit, vegetables or other produce - without using a single-use disposable plastic bag. Instead use one of our lightweight different sized Organic Cotton Produce Bags. A great zero waste alternative. The organic cotton net can be put directly in the refrigerator as the bags are breathable (which plastic is not). After use, you can just wash them at 30 degrees and hang dry them.
🌱 Plastic Free Just Add Water Conditioner 🌱
Amla powder is a natural conditioner with its amazing and long list of beneficial properties, leaving your hair nourished and healthier. Rosemary has wonderful benefits for the hair: it strengthens, nourishes the roots, is great for combatting dandruff, dry scalp and hair loss. Seaweed is packed full of vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair and help stimulate hair growth and strengthen the roots, as well as helping to prevent hair loss. Stored in plastic free, aluminium tins.
🌱 Glass Infuse Flask 🌱
Glass Infuse Flasks are perfect for drinking loose leaf tea, herbal tea or fruit infused water at home or on the go.Each flask comes with two filters included, which are used independently for two types of infusion: A long basket filter for a short infusion - fill the basket with tea leaves, infuse, then remove before drinking; A small filter for a long lasting infusion - fill the flask with a few tea leaves, herbs or fruit pieces, place the small filter on top, then drink.
🌱 Plastic Free Soap Bag 🌱
An organic hand-knitted soap bag for gentle and effective peeling of your body. Use it with your favourite body soap or shampoo, and remember to take it along as a travel soap bag on your plastic-free journeys.
🌱 Reusable Organic Cotton Nut Milk / Produce Bag 🌱
Our Organic Cotton Nut Milk / Produce Bag by Re-Sack is perfect for making your own nut milk (or indeed fruit juice!) And of course, you can also use it in which to carry your groceries, instead of using a single-use disposable plastic bag. A great zero waste alternative. The organic cotton is breathable (which plastic is not).
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Hair Conditioner 🌱
Beauty Kubes plastic free, solid hair conditioner is vegan friendly, sulphate free, silicone free and palm oil free. Each box contains 27 individual solid shampoo Kubes. This new and unique plastic free, solid hair conditioner has been formulated using vegan friendly, sulphate and silicone free ingredients that have been carefully selected for their ability to leave hair feeling hydrated, nourished and incredibly soft and shiny.
🌱 Plastic Free Solid Shampoo - for Oily Hair 🌱
Plastic free, palm oil free, solid shampoo Kubes for oily hair. Each box contains 27 individual solid shampoo Kubes. Crumble one cube into your hand, mix with water and create a lather. The biodegradable cleansing agents are Ecocert approved, sulphate free, synthetic fragrance free & synthetic preservative free. They will cleanse the hair and scalp deep-down while remaining gentle on the scalp.
🌱 Reusable Zip Pouch 🌱
Made from a thick, organic cotton with a yellow, water resistant, food safe polyester lining. They have a chunky plastic zip closure and designs are printed on both sides with low impact, azo-free dyes. Suitable for storing food or non food items. Made with certified 100% Organic Cotton by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Preshrunk and machine washable. The lining used is a water-resistant polyester (so not plastic-free, but buy once, use forever).
🌱 Recycled Wool Cushion Cover 🌱
This cushion cover is made from recycled wool. Unwanted clothing is collected through recycling programmes around the world, and shipped back to India for sorting and reworking. Although initially this seems a long way for the clothing to travel, it is actually an advantage for the many container ships returning to India to have some weight on board.
🌱 Reusable Menstrual Cup 🌱
Lamazuna’s Menstrual Cup is a zero waste alternative to tampons and sanitary towels. By cleaning the cup after each use, the Menstrual Cup will last for many years – up to 10! Made of 100% medical grade, hypo-allergenic silicone, it is used in a similar way to a tampon, but can be kept in the body for longer. It is latex free, phthalate free, BPA free (Bisphenol A), free from whitening agents, soft and easy to clean.
🌱 Reusable plastic-free Silicone Straws 🌱
Reusable food-grade silicone straws (no plastic fillers), reducing single-use plastic use, and reducing micro-plastics entering our oceans, water systems and food chain. Available in both Smoothie or Standard widths.
🌱 Plastic Free Toockies Circulation Glove 🌱
A plastic-free, organic cotton, hand-knitted circulation glove for gentle and effective peeling of the face and body. These gloves are a fantastic plastic-free alternative to scrubbing exfoliating cremes, which contain micro-plastic and come in plastic packaging.
🌱 Reusable Organic Cotton Net Bag (Small) 🌱
Buy your loose fruit, nuts or other produce without using a single-use disposable plastic bag. Instead use a lightweight organic cotton net bag . A great zero waste alternative. The organic cotton net can be put directly in the refrigerator as the bags are breathable (which plastic is not).
And that's a wrap! Phew! My list of 63 plastic free and reusable products to help you finish Plastic Free July with a flourish!!
Thank you for reading. If you're still here at the end, you're definitely committed! Give me an emoji or comment in the comments box below to say hi.
I hope I've given you some alternative products for you to consider introducing into your life instead of plastic options.
As always, any questions, please just shout.
With love from our family to yours,
Stay safe and keep well,
Elena x
