I just want to start off by saying that true zero waste is not practically attainable. Yes, you can eliminate every bit of plastic in your life, quit your job, and go live in the woods somewhere to avoid any unnecessary harm to the earth, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, that’s just not realistic.

So, after seeing all the posts on Instagram about #plasticfreejuly, I decided that it would be fun to try. I wasn’t striving for perfection, just an audit of the things I use in my life. I already try to eliminate plastic where I can (I use a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, I bring my lunch most days, and I fill my reusable bags at the grocery store), but I also felt like it would be an interesting way to see where else I could eliminate plastic in my life.

Here are some things I’ve learned so far and hopefully this will help you too on your quest to become a more environmentally-friendly human! :)

Use what you have!

A lot of people who are interested in going zero waste think that going out and buying brand new metal tins is a must in order to reduce their plastic waste. I’m here to tell you that this is not true. I use plastic Tupperware to eat my lunch out of fairly regularly, and I use it store all my food. If you have an old reusable water bottle, use it. If you have yarn, knit or crochet yourself a produce bag (post coming on this soon!). The idea is not to just reduce the amount of waste we throw away, but eliminate the creation of more waste at the source. However, sometimes it does help to have the right tools. Use your judgement, and buy only what you need.

Bring your supplies with you.

I use my reusable utensils at work everyday, except (as you can see on the right) on days when I forget them. While these are great, you would also be perfectly fine bringing your own silverware from home in your purse when going out to eat. Silverware from the thrift store is usually a steal! Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to leave the house prepared. Bring your silverware, bring your straw (or don’t use one!), bring your water bottle. Being prepared always means that you’re trying the best you can, and oftentimes will save you from pesky plastic waste.

Remind yourself that you are not perfect.

You are human. Humans make mistakes. The biggest thing that matters is that you learn from your mistakes. We are all trying to work toward a better world, and even if people are making small choices, they will still add up to a healthier world.

My mistakes and what I’ve learned:

1. I am not perfect, and sometimes I try too hard to be. I need to acknowledge the good things I try to do, and not beat myself up over the others.

2. Yes, I did use plastic during Plastic Free July. Yes, I did recognize these moments and reflect on what I could do to change them.

3. I need to invest in some reusable produce bags. The veggies above were covered in water from being sprayed at the store, and my reusable bags were dirty from other veggies, so yes, I did resort to plastic. Thinking about buying these on Amazon for veggies like greens that are often wet or really dirty.

4. There are products I love, but there is not a practical way to get them without buying them in plastic, i.e. tofu. If anyone has an suggestions for items like these, please leave a comment below!