This month, we are celebrating Plastic Free July. Plastic is one of the most used materials in the world because it is so easy to use, cheap, and very versatile. But have you ever thought about the effects of this material? The UN Environment Program states that about 400 million tons of plastic waste are produced worldwide every year, and of those 400 million, 75-199 million tons are found in our oceans.
Most plastics don’t decompose and continue to break into smaller pieces called microplastics. Microplastics can get into our bodies from food, water, and even indoor air, which can ultimately cause endocrine disruption, illness, and even cancer. And so, Plastic Free July is a global initiative to be part of the solution in fighting against plastic pollution around the world and here in our backyard. There are so many ways to be plastic free, whether how big or small the actions are!
From swapping out a plastic water bottle for a reusable water bottle and taking reusable silverware to spots to eat instead of getting plastic silverware to taking your reusable grocery bags to the store, there are small steps you can take this month and all year to create a more sustainable home. Check out some tips below from our friends at Good Fills and more!
- Choose one plastic item that you use daily and find the alternative! That could mean a water bottle, silverware, food containers or reusable food bags, or grocery bags! Then, keep using that alternative until it becomes a habit, and do it with more items in your daily life.
- Thrift or shop secondhand for clothing, toys, or home goods! By shopping secondhand, you get a better deal of cost and divert plastic from landfills, and you will find some hidden gems! We have so many incredible second-hand shops here in Central Florida, like Etoile Boutique in the Milk District and Funk’s Vintage off of South Street and so many more. You can see the full list further down in our small businesses list.
- Bring your own shopping bags to the store! Whether you are grocery shopping or at the farmer’s market, bring your own bag for your items, plus even a produce bag of your own instead. Not only are they more durable in the long term, but they are also more stylish than your average single-use plastic bag. If you have plastic bags in your home, Keep Orlando Beautiful is collecting them to make a giant dinosaur with Central Florida ReCon. For more info on this, you can contact our office at 407-228-1451 and can make sure you are connected with KOB’s team.
- Bring your own utensils when going out to eat in the City Beautiful plus your own jar or water bottle when heading to your local coffee shop, like Retro Roast. Did you know that they are one of the only businesses along with Lucid Beans that uses mason jars instead of single-use plastic cups for customers and their coffees? Truly one of the best in town and I highly recommend the “Radical Ro” at Retro Roast <3
- Sign-up for O-Town Compost’s services or volunteer at a local Keep Orlando Beautiful event! Madi from the team and Rep. Eskamani compost with O-Town Compost, Orlando’s community composter that provides food waste collection bi-weekly, weekly, or on your terms. For more information on their services and events, head to o-towncompost.com/! Volunteering with Keep Orlando Beautiful is the best too with local cleanups hosted by community groups and of course, Rep. Anna V. Eskamani! You can get involved and learn more about their events around City Beautiful at their website here.
Remember, every small step you take helps create a healthier planet for all of us. It’s about progress, not perfection! Together, we can reduce plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener world. By reducing our plastic use, we’re protecting our environment and inspiring others to join the movement too!
See below for small businesses with zero waste initiatives in House District 42 and beyond!
- Beat It! – An insect repellant brand from Ocala, Florida, that uses aluminum bottles and is refillable! You can find their products at Good Fills in College Park or at Chamberlin’s Natural Food Market off of East Colonial Drive.
- Echoes of Retro – An eclectic mix of mid-century and vintage furnishings here in Orlando! From couches and dining sets to incredible decor and fashion, they have lovely second-hand pieces!
- Etoile Boutique – Located in the heart of the Milk District, Etoile Boutique has been a vintage staple here in Central Florida for years. From the handmade jewelry and local vendors to the hand-picked vintage and more, this spot is a must-shop. PS: Don’t miss $5 Fridays on their Instagram Story!
- Everoak Farm – This is a small family regenerative farm off of Carrington Drive in Orlando that grows certified naturally grown fruits and vegetables! You can find their goods and produce at the Audubon Local Food Market on Monday nights from 5pm to 8pm.
- Funk’s Vintage – A new shop here off of South Street, Funk’s Vintage is Orlando’s biggest vintage clothing store. You can go to their fill-a-bag sales and go through the bins to find some amazing hidden gems!
- Good Fills – Catch their van at local pop-up shops or visit their store in College Park, where you can refill your necessities like soaps, detergent, and more! They have a large selection of the basics for your home, body and dental care, containers and kitchenware, and even goods for our furry friends.
- Honey House Vintage – From a local pop-up shop to now a beautiful storefront in Thornton Park, Nicole has the cutest finds for house decor and clothing. You can also make your own candle at this spot, with natural smells and secondhand jars!
- Oh Eco – Orlando’s Refill Shop and Eco Shop, Oh Eco, is located in Audubon Park! You can refill your basics here, like soaps, detergent, reusable paper towels, hair care, and cleaners! Come visit and shop and find alternatives to reduce plastic usage in your home!
- O-Town Compost – Orlando’s community composter service where your food scraps and waste are recycled into Central Florida’s rich soil. You can choose when you would like them to come pick up your compost, which you receive a bucket with your subscription to use! A great way to reduce your food waste and give back this July and all year.
- Lucid Beans Coffee – Seen at local markets and pop-ups, Lucid Beans now uses reusable jars for their coffee! They also have subscriptions on their website for bi-weekly bottled beverages and their coffee bean blends!
- Retro Roast – A staple in The Veranda, Retro Roast serves your favorite coffee beverages in glass mason jars that you can reuse and take back to receive 1 dollar off your next purchase. They also have some of the BEST vegan pasties and goods, like the cookie croissant and the focaccia bread (a team favorite). Don’t miss Sustainable Sips on July 11th, which is a panel hosted by KOB and Surfrider at Retro Roast to discuss the successes and challenges of plastic reduction here in Central Florida and greenwashing.
- The Home Farm – This business makes home and beauty products, which are all sustainably packaged and many are refillable! From body to oral and skincare, these products are made with love and care locally in Winter Park.
- The Lovely – Another great spot in Audubon Park that has second hand and vintage furniture and clothing, and has local vendors throughout the shop! A team favorite, this shop has been around for years and a local favorite.