How Camberwell can support your Plastic Free July challenge

Wouldn’t you love to ditch plastic, even for a short time, to see if you can live without it? During July, you can. And there are plenty of ways Camberwell can support you during your plastic-free challenge.

Plastic Free July is running nationally this month and it challenges you to refuse single-use plastic.

The challenge aims to raise awareness of the amount of single-use disposable plastic in people’s lives, the environmental problems associated with it and how to do something about it.

Participants can commit to refusing all single-use plastic items (or the top four items: plastic bags, plastic water bottles, takeaway coffee cups and straws) for one full day, a week or the whole month.

According to the Plastic Free July website, it is estimated there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans by 2050 – and most of it comes from land and was once in your hands. By encouraging people to refuse plastic, the challenge aims to keep the oceans clean.

But where do you begin?

Start with small changes, such as swapping your takeaway coffee cup for a reusable type. Use fabric bags to buy your groceries instead of relying on plastic bags. Switch to buying sustainable fashion garments. Opt for package-free goods when you go shopping.

In Camberwell, we have plenty of shops and business that encourage environmentally-friendly and plastic-free habits.

Here are some ways Camberwell can support your Plastic Free July challenge:

Buy package-free foods

The Source Bulk Foods in Camberwell gives you the chance to do zero-waste grocery shopping. The store stocks an impressive range of bulk wholefoods including nuts, grains, dried fruits, cereals, sweet treats as well as paleo, gluten free, organic and vegan products.

You can place ingredients in your own containers or bags, or use the brown paper bags available in store. The store is designed so that you only buy the quantities you need, eliminating food waste.

You can also purchase package-free fruit and vegetables from Camberwell’s Fresh Food Market. Items are sold loose so if you only need four carrots or two apples, that’s all you have to pay for.

Get your coffee in a reusable cup

Most coffee shops in Camberwell willingly accept reusable coffee cups for those wanting a sustainable takeaway option.

You can buy a Keep Cup from Minimax or a travel mug from Wheel&Barrow and get all your future takeaway coffees in your reusable cup. Simple!

Indulge in an experience

Part of the philosophy behind Plastic Free July is learning to live minimally and reducing the need for ‘stuff’ that will later become waste and end up in landfill.

But it doesn’t mean you have to go without. Why not treat yourself to a memorable experience, instead?

Sign up for a spinning class at Sprinnt, re-energise with a yoga class at Little Mandarin, or see a movie at the Rivoli Cinemas.

Food is the way to the heart

If taking up a new activity or class is not your style, enjoy a meal at one of Camberwell’s cafes or restaurants.

Dining in adheres to plastic-free habits as food is served using reusable plates and cutlery. Just don’t forget to ask your waiter to ditch the straw in your drink.

Whether you want a casual meal at a cafe, a family-friendly dinner or a fine dining experience, you can find it in Camberwell.

Switch to a sustainable toothbrush

Every year, Australians use and dispose of more than 30 million toothbrushes which amounts to about 1000 tonnes of landfill.

For something kinder for the environment, switch your plastic toothbrush to a compostable bamboo variety, available from Great Earth Discount Health Shop in Camberwell.

Did we miss anything? If you’ve got some tips on plastic-free shopping or experiences on offer in Camberwell, let us know via our Facebook page or Twitter account.