The Brightside: Easy Swaps for a More Sustainable July
We all know plastic is a problem — it pollutes our oceans, harms wildlife, and lingers in landfill for hundreds of years. It’s also impacting our health. Harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates can leach from plastic into food, drinks and water, acting as hormone disruptors and even potential carcinogens. And let’s not forget microplastics — those tiny fragments now found in everything from sea salt to human blood. But let’s be real: trying to go completely plastic-free overnight can feel impossible. At Banabae HQ (where there are toddlers, laundry piles, and snack emergencies), we get it. So this Plastic Free July, we’re not striving for perfection. We’re going for progress — simple switches, small wins, and good habits that stick. Here are our top everyday swaps to help you reduce single-use plastic in your home — without losing your mind.
1. Self-Care & Hygiene
Swap the bottles for bars
- Switch liquid shampoo, body wash, and conditioner for solid bars.
They're now widely available at supermarkets, chemists and eco-stores.
Faves: Ethique, Seed & Sprout, or Shampoo With A Purpose.
Brush better
- Ditch plastic toothbrushes for bamboo ones.
Try: The Daily Co. or Grin Natural.
Plastic toothpaste tubes?Not it.
- Go for toothpaste tablets or powders in glass or tin.
Check out this handy guide from Sustainable Jungle
2. Beauty Without the Waste
The beauty industry creates 120 billion units of packaging a year — yikes.
Try refillable, compostable, or glass-packaged beauty goods.
Brands we love:
- Skincare: Stray Willow, Tuttofare
- Makeup: Eco Minerals, Flavedo & Albedo
Better yet: ask your favourite brands to introduce refills or return programs.
3. Kitchen Storage Swaps
Say goodbye to cling wrap
- Try beeswax wraps, silicone covers, or just pop a plate over your leftovers.
Stock up plastic-free
- Shop the outer aisles or head to your local bulk food store with jars and bags in hand.
- Brands to check out: The Source Bulk Foods, Seed & Sprout
Snack smart
- Look for compostable packaging or recyclable paper-based options when you do need convenience snacks.
4. Takeaway With a Twist
Dine in where you can — no packaging, no problem.
Out and about? Keep these in your bag:
- Reusable coffee cup
- Stainless steel cutlery set
- Food-grade containers (perfect for takeaway or leftovers)
- Cloth napkin (fancy and functional)
Fun fact: Pizza boxes are recyclable in most councils — just remove any cheesy bits before tossing them in the bin.
5. Clean Green
Time to detox your cleaning cupboard
- Try refillable, waterless cleaning solutions like Pleasant State.
- Swap plastic scourers for compostable sponges, coconut fibre brushes, or loofahs from
- Stainless steel pegs > plastic pegs. Always.
- In the laundry: choose powder detergent in cardboard boxes and wash synthetics in a
Guppyfriend bag to stop microplastics entering waterways.
6. Wear It, Love It, Repeat
Fashion is a huge contributor to plastic pollution — especially fast fashion.
Tips for a feel-good wardrobe:
- Choose natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp, and linen.
- Avoid synthetics (polyester, nylon, acrylics).
- Shop secondhand: Depop, Goodbyes, or your local op shop.
- Host a clothes swap or rent for special occasions.
- Buy less, wear more — and love the classics that stand the test of time.
If all you do this July is buy one less plastic bottle or bring your keep cup twice a week — that’s a win. Every choice adds up, and every small step makes a difference.
Need more inspo?
Here are some brilliant blogs and orgs we recommend diving into:
- The Green Hub Take 3 for the Sea
Shop the look:
