What is Plastic-Free July?

Plastic-Free July is a powerful global movement that began in Australia, founded by the non-profit organization The Plastic Free Foundation. Its mission is to help people worldwide become more aware of their plastic consumption and take action to reduce single-use plastic waste, ultimately leading to cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and litter-free streets.

In 2021 alone, over 140 million people across 190 countries participated in Plastic-Free July. Today, that number continues to grow, with participants embracing sustainable habits not just in July, but all year long, many going beyond plastic to reduce their overall environmental footprint.

While going completely plastic-free for a month might sound daunting, it doesn’t have to be. The key is to start with small, manageable changes. Simple eco-friendly swaps like using a reusable coffee cup, a bamboo toothbrush, or refillable cleaning products can make a meaningful difference over time. Don’t stress if you can’t eliminate plastic entirely; every effort counts.

Ready to take the first step? You can sign up on the official Plastic-Free July website, where you’ll find a wealth of resources, tips, and inspiration to help you reduce your plastic waste. Whether you're new to the idea or already on your zero-waste journey, this movement is the perfect opportunity to create lasting habits that support a healthier planet.

Why Should We Go Plastic-Free?

Plastic is made from fossil fuels, which are non-renewable resources, making plastic inherently unsustainable. While it has only been part of our lives for just over a century, plastic has become the go-to material for everything from bags and bottles to packaging and straws. But here’s the problem: every piece of plastic ever made still exists in some form today. It doesn’t biodegrade and can take up to 500 years to break down.

Even more alarming, only 9% of plastic produced globally is recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or the environment, breaking down into harmful microplastics. These particles pollute ecosystems, enter our food chain, and pose unknown health risks.

The environmental damage caused by plastic pollution, along with the ecological cost of extracting fossil fuels to create plastic in the first place, highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic use, especially single-use plastics.

The Problem with Single-Use Plastics

Eliminating single-use plastic is a critical step in creating a more sustainable future. In Canada, government regulations are already moving in the right direction by banning items like plastic straws, grocery bags, cutlery, and takeaway cups. These policies are small but important steps toward minimizing everyday plastic waste.

What Is Zero-Waste Living?

Plastic-Free July isn’t just about ditching plastic; it’s about rethinking how we consume. It encourages people to examine their habits and participate in plastic-free challenges that inspire long-term change.

Ever considered how much waste you generate in a single week? Or how much of it could be avoided? This awareness is where zero-waste living begins.
A zero-waste lifestyle means reducing all types of waste, not just plastic. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference: while going plastic-free is part of living zero-waste, the two are not the same.

For example, during Plastic-Free July, some may feel the urge to throw away all their plastic belongings and start fresh. However, that would actually create more waste, going against the principles of zero-waste living. A better approach is to reuse what you already own, repurpose plastic items, and keep them out of landfills for as long as possible.

Why Zero-Waste Living Matters

The goal of zero-waste living is to minimize your ecological footprint by focusing on waste prevention, not just disposal.

Interestingly, Plastic-Free July often results in an increase in recycling. That’s because people are replacing plastic items with recyclable alternatives like glass or cardboard. While this seems like a step forward, recycling isn’t a perfect solution.

In recent years, the viability of recycling has been questioned. Many countries that once imported waste for recycling are now refusing it due to high processing costs and low demand. As a result, much of what we place in recycling bins still ends up in landfills, especially if it's contaminated or not sorted correctly.

That’s why we need to revisit the "4 Rs" of sustainability:

Refuse. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle ♻️

With recycling becoming less reliable, our focus should shift to the first three: refusing unnecessary products, reducing consumption, and reusing what we already have. These principles are at the heart of both zero-waste living and long-term eco-conscious choices.

Tips for starting a zero-waste lifestyle

Transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle might feel overwhelming at first, but it’s all about taking small, manageable steps. Whether you're just beginning or looking to improve your routine, these simple tips can help reduce household waste, cut down on plastic, and move you closer to a more sustainable way of living.

1. Don’t Throw Plastic Away, Repurpose It

Before tossing plastic items in the bin, find new ways to reuse them. If you no longer want to use plastic containers for food storage, repurpose them to organize tools, stationery, craft supplies, or hair accessories. If you truly can’t find a use, consider selling, swapping, or donating them instead of sending them to the landfill. Extending the life of plastic is a more sustainable choice than discarding it immediately.

2. Create a Zero-Waste Toolkit at Home

Most of our daily waste comes from packaging. Fortunately, with the rise of bulk stores and zero-waste shops, reducing packaging waste is easier than ever. Creating a simple zero-waste starter kit for your home can help you shop and store food more sustainably.

Here’s a practical list to get started:

• Reusable tote bags to replace plastic shopping bags. Already have plastic bags. Reuse them until they wear out.
  
• Lightweight produce bags for fresh fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens.
  
• Glass jars and reusable containers for buying bulk items like nuts, grains, and baking supplies.
  
• Beeswax wraps or containers to replace plastic cling film.
  
• Microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. One eco-friendly and cost-effective swap.
  
• Refillable bottles for soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products. Many personal care and cleaning items can be refilled rather than repurchased in new packaging.

These low-waste swaps can help significantly reduce your home’s dependence on single-use plastics and disposables.

3. Be Prepared with a Portable Zero-Waste Toolkit

Eating on the go is one of the biggest sources of plastic waste. Fast food and takeout meals often come with disposable containers, cutlery, and straws. The easiest way to avoid this is to bring your own food when possible, or choose restaurants that serve meals with reusable dishes and avoid plastic packaging.

To stay prepared, keep a zero-waste kit in your bag, car, or backpack. A few essentials could include:

• A reusable coffee cup
  
• A refillable water bottle
  
• Reusable cutlery
  
• A metal, bamboo, or silicone straw
  
• A reusable takeout container for leftovers

With just a few items, you can avoid countless single-use products every week and take another step toward sustainable, mindful living.

Where to shop for zero-waste essentials?

Finding the right places to shop can make your zero-waste lifestyle much easier and more sustainable. Whether you’re sourcing fresh produce or pantry staples, there are many ways to shop consciously, reduce packaging waste, and support eco-friendly practices.

1. Farmers Markets & Produce Stands

Local farmers markets are excellent places to find fresh, unpackaged produce while supporting your local community. Not only are these markets often more flexible when it comes to zero-waste shopping, but many vendors are happy to accommodate reusable containers, produce bags, and jars, especially if you build ongoing relationships with them. Shopping at farmers’ markets also helps you reconnect with seasonal, locally grown food, which is better for the planet.

2. Traditional Grocery Stores

Even if you don’t have access to a dedicated zero-waste or bulk store, many mainstream grocery chains offer small-scale bulk food sections. Stores like Whole Foods Market, Loblaws, and Save-On-Foods often stock dry goods like nuts, grains, rice, and baking supplies that you can purchase using your own reusable containers.
If you must buy packaged items, look for options in recyclable or reusable packaging, such as glass jars, aluminum cans, cardboard boxes, or #1 and #2 hard plastics that are widely accepted by most recycling programs. Choosing products packaged in durable or multi-use containers is a small but meaningful way to reduce waste.

How to Recycle in Vancouver

Even with your best efforts, going completely zero-waste on your first try is unlikely, and that’s okay. You’ll probably end up with some packaging waste, but with proper sorting and disposal, it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill.

If you're in Vancouver, here are a few important recycling tips to keep in mind:

• Clean and sort all recyclable items before disposal. Contaminated recyclables can end up in a landfill.
  
• Double-check if your item is accepted by the city’s curbside recycling program. If not, visit a local recycling depot or drop-off center.
  
• Use Metro Vancouver’s recycling search tool or contact your local waste management authority for guidance on items like soft plastics, styrofoam, or electronics.

While recycling isn't a perfect solution, it’s still a valuable tool when used correctly, especially when paired with habits like reducing, reusing, and refusing unnecessary packaging.

Things to remember when going zero-waste

Adopting a zero-waste or plastic-free lifestyle can be empowering, but it also comes with a few challenges. Since sustainable living is still an alternative approach, it may feel like you’re going against the grain. That’s okay. When the journey gets overwhelming, keep these reminders in mind to stay motivated and focused.

1. Expect the Unexpected

Just because a product is packaged in cardboard doesn’t mean it’s 100% plastic-free. Some items hide plastic linings, seals, or inner wrappings, especially in food and personal care products. Before buying:
Shake the box and listen for a plastic rustle.
Ask store staff if they know what’s inside.
Or do a quick Google search of the product to find out more.

Becoming more eco-conscious takes a little extra research, but that extra step helps you avoid wasteful surprises and make better choices.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

Talking about your zero-waste journey can spark real change. Start by sharing your experience with friends and family, you may find out that they’re curious too. These conversations often lead to tip-sharing, moral support, and even collaborative solutions.

Also, don’t hesitate to speak up when shopping. Ask store owners or staff if they accept reusable containers or if they offer plastic-free alternatives. It might feel awkward at first, but most people are open and often inspired when they see others making sustainable choices. You might even inspire a local business to reconsider their own packaging habits.

Remember: The zero-waste lifestyle is a journey, not a race. Stay curious, stay flexible, and celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Every choice you make helps create a cleaner, more sustainable world.

How is AspenClean moving towards zero-waste

At AspenClean, our mission has always been centred around creating green, eco-friendly cleaning products that are safe for families, pets, and the planet. That’s why we’re proud to offer a growing zero-waste collection featuring our laundry detergent pods, dishwasher pods, and oxygen bleach & stain remover; all made from plant-based ingredients and packaged in 100% plastic-free, compostable containers.

In our house cleaning services, we follow a strict refill and reuse system for all bottles and microfiber cloths. This helps minimize waste while still delivering a convenient and thorough clean to our clients.

For at-home cleaning routines, you can shop eco-friendly refills for our All-Purpose Cleaner, Floor Cleaner, and more, available on our website and in selected stores. We're actively working to expand our refill options, making it even easier for households and retailers to support a zero-waste lifestyle without compromising on quality.

All AspenClean bottles are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and we’re continuously exploring more sustainable alternatives. If you’d like to see AspenClean bulk or refill products in your local store or refillery, we encourage you to reach out. We’d love to connect with more communities committed to natural, low-waste living.

Looking to learn more about living sustainably? Check out our eco-conscious blog for tips, insights, and inspiration on embracing a cleaner, greener lifestyle.