Rebels from XRC are making preparations for going plastic free in July to help reduce plastic use and improve recycling, worldwide. Are you up for the challenge?

Avoiding plastic for a whole month may seem daunting, especially when it’s used in almost everything we buy and use. But don’t worry – you can do it at a level that suits you, from avoiding the plastics that seem to fill your recycling bin, targeting the takeaway items that could end up in the ocean, to going completely plastic free (finding alternatives to everything) for a day, week, month or more. Check out this handy list of 100 steps to a plastic free life.

For those of you setting off on holiday in July, there are lots of great tips for plastic free holidays and travelling online. Here are a few to give you some inspiration:

• Bring items such as refillable water bottles and reusable shopping bags, cutlery and straws
• Bring your own packed lunch/snacks for your journey
• If you’re shopping for a new holiday wardrobe, ask yourself: do I really need one? If the answer is yes, check out your local charity shops
• Take plastic free toiletries including shampoo and soap bars and plastic free sun cream (see here for a vegan version)
• Look ahead to see if there are zero waste shops at your holiday destination. Also shop and eat local to get fresher produce and have a more authentic holiday experience
• Refuse pesky plastics such as straws, cocktail stirrers and individual milk pods
• Consider reusable cloths and bamboo wipes instead of baby wipes
• Love where you’re going as well as where you live – if you see litter, pick it up!

Some of us are just beginning to reduce our plastic waste, while some have already replaced single use plastics in our day to day lives. If you have items of single use plastic such as toiletries or cleaning products, use these up first before you look to make a switch. Don’t be too harsh on yourself if it doesn’t go to plan – the first step is awareness, and planning ahead will help a lot.

“We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly.”

Anne-Marie Bonneau

Find out more and sign up here to #ChooseToRefuse