Going Plastic Free this July? 5 tips to help you

Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity to cut down on single use plastics and rethink how we shop, store, and use food. Items such as cling wrap, plastic produce bags, plastic bottles, and takeaway coffee cups all fall into the single use items category.

While plastic can be an effective tool at lengthening the shelf life of your food, if you follow these handy tips you should be able to go single use plastic free this July without wasting any food.

Tip 1: Plan Your Meals and Shopping

Going plastic free takes a little extra planning. You may need to visit more than one store to find what you need, and you’ll want to be prepared with your reusable containers, jars, and bags before heading out.

The 4 C’s of meal planning make the process a breeze, help you stay organised, waste less, and avoid unnecessary packaging:

Check your week to plan meals that match your schedule and reduce last-minute plastic-wrapped takeaways.

Check what you’ve got in the fridge, freezer, and pantry to use up food that’s already there before buying more, especially items close to its use by date.

Choose your meals with overlapping ingredients and plan for leftovers to minimise waste.

Create your list based on your plan and what you need, and don’t forget reusable bags, jars, and containers for plastic-free shopping.

💡 Need help finding zero-waste stores? Check out the regional shopping guide from The Rubbish Trip.

Tip 2: Buy What You Need

When you’re avoiding plastic, buying in small quantities can work better than bulk buying especially for spices, grains and specialty ingredients you don’t use regularly like polenta.

Many bulk stores usually let you measure out exactly what you need. Bring your own jars, containers, and even measuring cups or spoons, or ask staff for help with quantities.

This method also helps reduce food waste when you’re only buying what you’ll use.

Tip 3: Label Everything

Avoid mix-ups and food waste by clearly labelling your jars and containers with both the contents and the date you bought or opened them. Tools like Eat Me First reusable stickers are handy for flagging what needs using up first.

Good labelling helps you avoid reaching for baking soda when you meant to grab icing sugar, and keeps your pantry neat and organised.

Tip 4: Make The Most of What You Already Have

Plastic Free July is about sustainable living, and reusing is better than replacing. So, if you already have a good collection of plastic airtight containers, continue to use them rather than tossing them out in favour of glass containers.

Glass jars are also great to keep and use as a low-waste option for dry storage and freezing, just be sure to leave some space at the top to allow for liquid expansion when freezing.

Looking for a cling film alternative? Beeswax wraps (like Honeywraps) are a sustainable way to wrap sandwiches or cover bowls. DIY beeswax wrap kits are available online or at eco-stores if you’d like to make your own.

Tip 5: Know What to Store Where

When you ditch plastic, some foods may not last as long unless you store them the right way. With a few smart swaps you can keep your food fresh for longer and cut down on single-use plastics.

For example, carrots, cut celery, and leafy greens stay crisp for longer when stored in an airtight container lined with a reusable cloth or tea towel, no paper towel or plastic needed. Even items like cut pumpkin or cheese can be wrapped in beeswax wraps instead of cling film.

Need more tips? Check out our full guide to storage.

Plastic Free July isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making small changes that add up to a big difference. Every reusable container, meal plan, and thoughtful swap helps reduce waste and protect our planet. Start with one or two of these tips and build from there. You’ve got this!