Plastic Free July is a global movement engaging millions of people to become part of the solution to plastic pollution. The movement specifically asks each of us – that means you, me, and everyone else who is willing – to refuse single-use plastic.
Refusing single use plastic can lead to major change. It can help lead to healthier communities, oceans, freshwater ecosystems, food, and planet.
█ Communities
Plastic pollution is an environmental justice issue. That’s because plastic pollution disproportionately impacts fenceline communities (neighborhoods near to production facilities), frontline communities (those who experience the impacts of pollution “first and worst”), and economically marginalized communities. Fenceline and frontline communities are disproportionately communities of color and/or economically marginalized communities.
█ Oceans and Freshwater Ecosystems
In the ocean, there’s a place known as “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” It’s a massive plastic soup, a conglomeration of plastic that is measurable and (sadly) ever-growing. It’s currently more than twice the size of Texas. The patch is the largest of five of these ocean gyres filled largely with single-use plastic debris. It’s no wonder that it is estimated that by 2050, the oceans will be home to more plastic than fish.
The problem with plastic in the oceans isn’t just that it’s litter. The problem is that plastic essentially never goes away, as plastic is typically not biodegradable. For example, most single-use plastic bags take 500 years to decompose! Add to that, most plastics break down into tiny pieces called microplastics and this plastic patch becomes a problem far beyond its physical reach.
█ Food
Microplastics are often consumed by aquatic life, both large and small. Plastic particles have been found in seafood, which means that when we consume ocean animals, we may unknowingly be consuming microplastics!
█ Planet
Because plastic is a petrochemical product, it is inextricably connected to climate change.
Time to act, right?
If we all make small changes, it can yield huge changes for a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
Taking Action: MADE SAFE doesn’t permit single-use plastic in any certified products, but we’ve gone a step further to organize a list of certified products that have zero plastic packaging for a truly plastic free July. You’ll find our list at the bottom of this post.
Beyond July: We hope you will take the Plastic Free July Challenge, join the movement, and help stop the massive plastic pollution problem not just this July, but every single day of the year.
█ For more information:
- Visit Plastic Free July
- If you are an organization, join Plastic Pollution Coalition to lend your company to the cause
- Find a list of resources at the end of this post to learn more about everyday sources of plastic, sources commonly overlooked (hint: cleaning and baby wipes), the toxic effects of plastic, the plastic pollution crisis, and what you can do about it.
█ MADE SAFE® Certified Products with Plastic Free Packaging
healthynest: Baby Wipes, Baby & Child Personal Care, & Cleaning
- Dry Wipes for Baby – 100% Organic Cotton
- Shampoo/Body Wash for Baby with Prebiotics and Probiotics
- Moisturizing Cream for Baby with Prebiotics and Probiotics
- USDA Organic Soothing Ointment
- Baby Safe Home Cleaning Concentrate
Pura Stainless: Baby, Kid & Adult Bottles
- Baby Bottles
- Adult & Sport Bottles
- Kids Bottles
- Lids & Accessories
Natracare: Maternity, Incontinence & Period Care
- Pads – Dry & Light Incontinence
- Pads – Maternity, Maxi, Nursing, Ultra & Ultra Extra
- Panty Liners – Curved, Long, Mini, Normal, Tanga & Ultra Thin
- Tampons – Organic Cotton, with applicator – Regular & Super
Meliora Cleaning Products: Cleaning, Laundry & Personal Care
- All Purpose Home Cleaner
- All Purpose Soap Bar
- Dish Soap for Handwashing, Lemon & Unscented
- Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub – Peppermint Tea Tree & Unscented
- Laundry Powder and Refills, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Lavender Clove, Peppermint & Unscented
- Soap Stick for Laundry Stain Removal
- Bath and Body Soap Bar – Earl Grey Tea, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint & Unscented
Brentwood Home: Bedding
- Sheet Set – Luxury Cotton Sateen Finish 400TC – Twin through Cal King
(Offered in White, Natural, Slate Grey) - Sheet Set – Luxury Cotton Sateen Finish 600TC – Twin through Cal King
(Offered in White, Natural, Slate Grey)
Clary Collection: Personal Care
- All Purpose Balm
Kate McLeod: Personal Care
- Daily Stone & Refill
- Mama Stone & Refill
- Naked Stone & Refill
- Sleep Stone & Refill
Soapply: Hand Soap
- Hand Wash Refill
Caldera + Lab: Personal Care
- The Good Multi-Functional Serum
For MADE SAFE® certified products with reduced plastic, see our Sustainable Packaging Product Listings.
█ Additional Plastic Pollution Resources
Guides
- The Healthy Pregnancy Guide by Sydney Cook for MADE SAFE & Plastic Pollution Coalition
- The Healthy Baby Guide presented by MADE SAFE & Plastic Pollution Coalition
- What’s Inside Wipes by MADE SAFE
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and the Newest “R,” Refuse by MADE SAFE
- BPA Chemical Profile by MADE SAFE
- Plastic Profile by MADE SAFE
- MADE SAFE’s Approachable Guide to Sustainable Fashion by MADE SAFE
Articles
- “While You Were Focused on COVID-19, EPA Gave Polluters Free Rein, Threatening At-Risk Communities” by Adrienne Hollis for Union of Concerned Scientists
- “Plastic Planet: How Did We Get Here?” by Environmental Justice Foundation
- “Why Plastic Pollution is an Environmental Justice Issue” by Kate Lin for Greenpeace
- “I’m a Black Climate Expert. Racism Derails Our Efforts to Save the Planet” by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson for Washington Post
Books
- Plastic Soup: An Atlas of Ocean Pollution by Michiel Roscam Abbing
- Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too by Beth Terry
- Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson
- Life Without Plastic: The Practical Step-by-Step Guide to Avoiding Plastic and Keep Your Family and the Planet Healthy by Chantal Plamondon and Jay Sinha
Films
- The Story of Plastic presented by The Story of Stuff Project