The last day of July means the last official day of the Plastic Free July Campaign. Some of us in the office 
wanted to share a little about our personal journeys living plastic free over the past month.
Sarah:
I have made so many changes that will be with me for a lifetime. Things I noticed throughout this month included an increased use of reusable containers and a reduced amount of rubbish from my home and in our office. We also make sure to leave our rubbish until it is filled right to the top, thereby saving garbage bags and encouraging us to waste less.
Because I have been buying more glass bottles this month, I have ended up with quite a collection. My plan is to reappropriate the used bottles into plant holders, fill them with herb seedlings and give them to my friend for a housewarming gift.
Annika:
It was certainly a difficult start. Things like buying nuts from the supermarket was a challenge, just trying to find packaging that wasn’t single use took a lot of adjusting. By the end of the month I was carrying paper and reusable bags around, shopping in bulk and trying to do all my shopping in places where I could by nuts and cereal to put straight into my own containers.
I was also a fan of this campaign, which took place over the month called Nude Your Food. It shares useful tips and information on going plastic free.
Tara:
Throughout the month I found myself buying less but also, reuniting with the farmers market. I stopped shopping for fruit and vegetables at supermarkets all together and always used my own reusable bags. I am really grateful that I have reconnected with the farmers markets, the food is so fresh and it’s great to be supporting local growers.
Holly :
I became aware of everything we had bought that was held by plastic in a way I never have before.
I have completely stopped getting plastic lids on everything – if I head to the movies and I’m tempted by a drink I’ll make sure to boycott plastic straws and no plastic lids.
I am an avid fan of old movies and I found myself noticing the plastic free alternatives were just a way of life in these days. String bags, glass bottles – and they got along just fine!
I know things like this might not seem like much but think about it this way –
“Of the top 10 items found in ocean debris five are associated with beverages (Ocean Conservancy). Images of plastics in the marine environment are haunting (5 gyres) and we can all become involved in the solution. By using your own drink bottle, takeaway cup and reusable straw (or refusing one) we can together reduce plastic consumption.” – Plastic Free July facts sheet.
Did you take part in plastic free July? What habits will you be keeping for life? What did you find hard? Share with us in the comments below.
Head to our website for more ways to live better for us and the planet –
We are daughters, mothers, sisters and grandmothers getting on with practical climate action to live better for us and the planet. Join the movement at www.1millionwomen.com.au
1 Million Women 
How did we ever manage before plastic was invented?
To reduce the use of plastic, I believe we need to educate the manufacturers, as well as to reduce our own consumption of single use plastic. Many products in the supermarket, including very well known brands, use non-recyclable plastic containers, which is irresponsible.
There is no supermarket in my suburb, which means a trip by train.
As it is, I struggle up and down the steps with a too heavy rucksack and were I to buy goods in glass, instead of plastic, it would be even heavier. The farmers’ market are beyond my budget, as the fruit and vegetables are more expensive than in the supermarket. I would rather buy ten apples from the supermarket, than 3 organic ones from a market.
Manufacturers seem to use excessive amounts of wrapping materials and waste so much. It frustrates me to have to use scissors or a knife to open most items.
One day, I think that someone will find that plastic, or the fumes from plastic, contribute to the development of cancer. Some many items in the home are now made from plastic, instead of wood and these plastic emit fumes for years to come!
Well I need help. The larger plastic bags fit so neatly in my rubbish bin that their second use seems so easy. What do I do with kitchen scraps? I have a compost bin for veg matter, but…… I remember my mum used to wrap things up in newspaper after burying the veg scraps, but I don’t get a paper…… And what do I do with the doggie poop? I like your intention and would like to be part of the solution ,but I think the answer is biodegradable bags. I know there are many like me …So what are your suggestions please?
My brother, who had a dog, says you can just put the dog poo down the loo. If you don’t get a newspaper, surely you receive the free local papers in your letter box? You could use the kitchen scraps to make soup for example, or start a worm farm. Good luck!