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36 Plastic Free July Swaps for a Sustainable Summer

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Zero Wasted • Jul 26, 2023

In celebration of Plastic Free Jul y we've created the ultimate guide to a plastic free summer. From zero waste suncream, plastic free aftersun and low waste travel essentials, we've got you covered.

We've created 6 summer edits showcasing some great sustainable and plastic free finds, to make your summer as planet and ocean-friendly as possible. Before diving in, let's dig into some plastic facts:

Today, single-use plastics account for 40% of the plastic produced every year and 85% of the world's plastic isn't recycled. We have a big plastic problem. We are well aware that plastic does not decompose and instead persists in the environment for hundreds of years and the negative effects are accumulating at an alarming rate. While the most visible impacts of plastic debris are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species, it is important to note that we are unknowingly consuming microplastics as well.

Europeans eat a bank card a week

Microplastics have been found in tap water, beer, salt and are present in all samples collected in the world’s oceans, including the Arctic. With 8 million pieces of plastic making their way into our oceans every day, it's clear to see why. Several chemicals used in the production of plastic materials are known to be carcinogenic and interfere with the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife.

Another study by WWF found the average person could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic per week, the equivalent of one credit card, and believe it or not most of this comes from water (both tap and bottled). They also predict the ocean will contain 1 metric ton of plastic for every 3 metric tons of fish by 2025.

Holidaymakers cause a 40% surge in marine litter, 95% of it plastic

At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, but summer is especially notorious for lots of plastic waste from single-use plastic water bottles to empty sun cream bottles and food packaging left on beaches, In fact, according to WWF it goes up by 40%, and sadly most of it ends up in the sea.

How to reduce your plastic consumption on holiday

Some key ways to reduce our plastic consumption when out and about is to avoid buying pre-packaged takeaway food. Either eat in, or prepare at home and take in reusable containers. Go for ice-creams without plastic wrappers and packaging and always dispose of any rubbish responsibly. Avoid using plastic cutlery, stirrers and straws (or take your own reusable ones) and invest in a reusable water bottle.

Opt for plastic free alternatives to common items like sun cream, toiletries and flip flops. We need large scale change, but if demand changes, so does business. For even more inspiration and ideas check out our Summer edits below.

Sustainable Summer Edit 1

Get beach-ready with these eco essentials. Achieve radiant skin using upcycled body scrub, and with 3 Billion Plastic Razors thrown away each year its time to invest in one of our favourite zero waste finds - The Leaf Razor.

Shield your skin from the sun with plastic-free sun cream and lip balm and bathe in a recycled bikini 👙 for sustainable style. Not forgetting sunglasses 🕶️ these ones are made from recycled fishing nets in Cornwall.

Sustainable Summer Edit 2

Gear up for a beach adventure and step out in style with eco-friendly flip flops and recycled swim shorts. Carry your beach 🏖 essentials in a recycled ♺ bag made from Ocean 🌊 Plastic, while staying hydrated with a reusable water bottle. Stay fresh with a long-lasting sustainable antiperspirant and protect your face with plastic-free sunscreen.

Sustainable Summer Edit 3

Glowing skin and textured beach hair is all you need for those low-maintenance summer days. Most of us need a dry shampoo in our lives, so give this 100% plastic free and refillable one a go. We love Dedicated Brand's range of recycled swimwear and this ethically made natural jute bag by Ellyla to complete the look. Opt for tinted SPF for the face and eco friendly sunscreen for your body.

For the ultimate summer radiance , Wild Nutrition's 'Natural Glow' stimulates your skin’s natural sun defences to support against premature ageing, but also enhances a healthy glow. The secret? Exclusive ingredient Melaline®, a form of Keratin, and key collagen supporting vitamins and minerals. Their study showed 81% of testers found their skin was more tanned, firmer and brighter after 30 days. 🌞

Sustainable Summer Edit 4

If you're a minimalist traveller, all you need are these plastic free travel miniatures for face, body and hair, a refillable deodorant, and holiday essentials like plastic free after sun. Keep everything organised in this travel case by OneNine5 made from recycled ocean plastic to pop everything in. What we love most is the detachable clear bag to make airport security a breeze! 🍃

To take you from day to night try this 100% linen men's shirt - we think it's a wardrobe staple! Crafted by ASKET, a visionary slow fashion brand, renowned for curating enduring pieces that stand the test of time with their impeccable permanent collection.

zero waste cosmetics and ethical accessories

Sustainable Summer Edit 5

These sustainable holiday essentials will go from poolside to dinner. We love this ethically crafted organic cotton kimono which can be effortlessly thrown over a bikini or elegantly paired with a bamboo crop top. Finish the look with ethically made accessories and plastic free and refillable makeup. 💄

Sustainable Summer Edit 6

Achieve a zero waste picnic this summer with disposable plates made from palm leaves, reusable lunchbox, plastic free beeswax food wraps and a barista standard reusable coffee cup (which can also be used for cold drinks). All of that deserves a nice chilled glass of eco-friendly wine on the beach. Cheers! 🥂