If you didn’t already know, many businesses, organizations and communities across the world have been participating in something called Plastic Free July. This initiative, led by the Plastic Free Foundation, was created to push towards sustainability and a (very much needed) plastic waste-free world.
By refusing the use of single-use plastics in our community, we can help change our world for the better. It is believed that there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean.. yes, you read that right. According to the Ocean Crusaders Organization,
“Shoppers worldwide are using approximately 500 billion single-use plastic bags per year. This translates to about a million bags every minute across the globe, or 150 bags a year for every person on earth. And the number is rising.”
Although these stats may bum you out, it’s important that in times of despair we look at the people who are doing good. Luckily for us, we’re surrounded by many businesses who care and are trying to help change the world. If you are looking for ways to support Plastic Free July or the businesses in our community who care, check them out below! 🌎
Bulk Barn
If you’re interested in living a waste-free life, Bulk Barn is a good place to start. You will not only reduce both your packaging and food waste, buying in bulk eliminates the need for fancy packaging & single-use plastic. With their Reusable Container Program, you can bring in any clean reusable container or cloth bag, weigh in-store, and fill them with all of your bulk barn goodies. Check out their page for sustainability tips, reusable container requirements and other important info! 🥜
The Log Farm
From May to October, The Log Farm hosts their Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9am-2pm. This allows local vendors to sell their home-made foods and hand-crafted creations. As a result, shopping local not only supports the local farmers and producers, but it also helps our planet!
The Log Farm also reuses clean egg cartons, and greatly appreciates when you bring them by so that they can reuse them! They’ll accept any cartons that are clean, so if you have any laying around, you know what to do! ♻️
Rikochet Resale
Donating your clothing and shopping second-hand are great ways to reduce your environmental impact and practise sustainability.
Did you know that 1,800 gallons of water are needed to make just one pair of blue jeans? Imagine how many people just throw away their unwanted jeans per year, per month or even each day. When people use clothes to the fullest extent, those pieces can take decades before they touch a landfill. As a result, one pair of jeans could be used by dozens of people in a lifetime!
Local businesses like Rikochet Resale accept gently used or new items all year round and will pay you for the pieces you don’t want anymore. Better yet, Rikochet Resale has stopped the use of plastic bags in their stores! Yay for small changes making a big impact! 👚
Choosing the right businesses to support can help you make the world a healthier place to be. There are so many other local businesses that are doing good for our planet. Let us know if we missed any that you love!