The Plastic Free July movement helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have clean streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. 150 million tons of single-use plastic items are created each year, and every July, millions of people worldwide pledge to reduce the demand for these items by eliminating their use of one type of single-use plastic at a time.
Practice reduces pollution: here are a few ways to participate at your Co-op and beyond!
Skip the straw! Go without or carry a reusable straw with you. All the straws in our deli are paper, but we ask you don't take one if you don't need one.
Carry your silverware. Either a pre-made kit with a carrying case or silverware wrapped in a napkin can help reduce waste when eating away from home
Bring a container and buy in bulk! Choose as much or as little as you need in our bulk foods department. Just have your container weighed at the customer service desk before filling so we can subtract the weight from your goods.
Carry a reusable water bottle or coffee mug. Did you know New York City has some of the best tap water in the world?
Stash a shopping tote in your purse or backpack. Whether you're planning on shopping or not, keeping a reusable bag in your purse or backpack will come in handy pretty often!
Skip produce bags or bring your own cloth produce bags- just carry them in our baskets or carts until you check out!
Choose compostable! The next time you replace an item like a toothbrush or sponge, see if a natural, compostable material version is available.
Select plastic-free storage options. Use re-usable containers with lids instead of covering containers with plastic wrap- you can even pack a salad in a jar!
Buy package-free items or items packaged in reusable or compostable materials. Aside from our bulk section, you can also find package-free soaps (including laundry and shampoo and conditioner bars!) in our Health and Beauty section and compostable and resuable storage solutions in our household and cleaners aisle!
Give DIY a try! Instead of buying plastic-packaged cleaning or beauty supplies, make your own with multi-use ingredients you can buy in bulk.
Pack a snack! Pre-packing your lunch or snacks can help prevent the amount of takeout containers, wrappers, and plastic you use every week.
Quit smoking! Plastic from vapes and cigarette butts (yes, they are a single-use plastic!) leach toxins into our soil and waterways. Check out resources to help our environment and your body by quitting smoking from NYC Health.
Choose clothing or accessories made from natural fibers. Already have plastic-based clothing? Wash it less and with colder water. "Fibres from synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and polyester, are shed in huge numbers during washing, about 700,000 per wash cycle" according to The Guardian. Almost 35% of microplastics in the ocean come from laundering of synthetic fabrics.
Learn more about Plastic Free July at plasticfreejuly.org and help develop sustainable habits that positively impact the environment locally and globally!
Do you have an idea for a way to reduce plastic use at our co-op or a plastic-free item you'd like us to carry?
Drop us a line at leah@flatbushfood.coop and we'll look into it!