Plastic Free July is the perfect time to start making simple swaps for single-use plastics, preventing a huge amount of waste heading to landfill and our oceans. Whakatāne District Council General Manager Community Services Mike Naude says 'The Big Four' alternatives are easy pickings for those not sure where to begin.

"By swapping out grocery bags, plastic straws, takeaway coffee cups and plastic water bottles with reusable options, you can make a significant difference to how much rubbish is generated," he says.

"There are so many excellent reusable alternatives these days that are easily accessible, we should all try to be more conscious of our choices."

On average, New Zealanders use about 31 kgs of plastic each per year. As a nation, we send 2.5 million tonnes of waste to landfill and projections show this amount is increasing. Mr Naude says taking ownership of our waste footprint is essential if we want to have cleaner streets, clear oceans and beautiful communities.

"Joining the Plastic Free July challenge is a great way to kickstart new habits. We need to create a new normal, where single-use plastics are simply not acceptable."

The Plastic Free July website is full of ideas about how to reduce plastic consumption, with many relating to making wiser decisions about food and groceries. For example, foods such as jam, peanut butter, mayonaise and sauces are available in both glass or plastic jars. If you choose brands sold in glass jars, which are often also New Zealand companies, you’ll support local and do good for the environment at the same time.

Bulk bins are another way you can reduce the amount of packaging in your household. The local Bin Inn is a treasure trove of cleaning products, pantry staples and more exotic ingredients, and you are welcome to bring your own containers to refill. 

Whakatāne District Council has recently mapped all public drinking fountains on the RefillNZ app. Apple users can download the app and find places throughout the country to refill reuseable water bottles. Mr Naude says initiatives such as this will have a positive impact on our environment, as will consumers choosing to make simple swaps.

A reminder that you can include the 'Big Six' in your yellow-lidded recycling bin - cardboard, paper, tins, cans and plastics graded 1 and 2. If possible, avoid buying plastics of other grades because they end up in the landfill. 

"Much of our waste comes down to a matter of convenience," says Mr Naude. "If we’re more aware of our choices and make small changes, those changes will become the new normal. Join the Plastic Free July challenge and give it a go - every little bit counts."