Try something new this Plastic Free July

Published on 17 June 2025

PFJ-Instagram-Hero-1-July-2025.jpg

Each year, Plastic Free July inspires millions around the world to reduce plastic waste and rethink their consumption habits. It’s a great reminder that small actions, taken together, can lead to big change. Whether you’re just starting out or already committed to living more sustainably, July is the perfect time to try something new on your waste-free journey.

Here are some practical and creative ways you can get involved this month:

  • Grow Something Green – With Toilet Roll Planters
     Start your seedlings in empty toilet rolls! These cardboard tubes are compostable and perfect for young plants. Once the seedlings are strong enough, you can plant the whole thing straight into the soil—no plastic pots needed.
  • Repair Before You Replace
     Instead of tossing out that faulty toaster, fraying backpack, or that pair of jeans with a new hole, learn how to fix it. Repairing not only saves money but also prevents unnecessary waste from entering landfill. The Wangaratta Repair Café may be able to assist with learning some new skills!
  • The Usual Suspects: Reusables
     Keep cups, reusable cutlery and straws, and beeswax wraps are simple tools that help reduce single-use plastic in your daily routine. If you haven’t made the switch yet, this is the month to do it!
  • Choose Package-Free Alternatives
     Next time you grab sushi for lunch, skip the tiny plastic soy sauce fish. Ask to use the counter sauce instead, and request your sushi in a paper bag. Looking for package-free options—even in small decisions—can add up over time.
  • Buy in Bulk With Your Own Containers
     Did you know Wangaratta has local businesses where you can buy dry goods like legumes, grains, flours, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in bulk? Bringing your own containers cuts out the packaging entirely and is often more affordable, too.

Plastic Free July isn’t about being perfect—it’s about progress. Choose one or two changes to start with, and see where they take you. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you.

Already doing all of the above? Check out this challenge checklist(PDF, 88KB), produced for Plastic Free July to see if you're already a leader in being plastic-free.

Lastly, we certainly understand that plastic can't always be completely avoided. Did you know that our Transfer Stations at the Rural City of Wangaratta accept clear soft plastics for recycling, such as:

  • clear plastic shopping bags and wrap
  • non-coloured bubble wrap
  • non-coloured pallet wrap

You can find out more here: Soft Plastics Rural City of Wangaratta

 

 

Back to top