I’m a Geographer at heart. I love the planet. I love David Attenborough (who doesn’t!?). I love the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. I love bumblebees. And as soon as the sun’s out, I have to be outside.
Recently, on a podcast with the twin doctors, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, I heard that getting outdoors isn’t just good for our wellbeing – it also boosts engagement, reduces boredom, and gives us a sense of purpose. That really stuck with me.
This got me thinking – when we feel more connected to nature, we naturally want to protect it. And one of the easiest ways to start? Cut down on the plastic that ends up littering the very places we love to explore. Whether it’s a beach, the park or even the green patch just outside my house – reducing single-use plastic helps keep those spaces clean, safe, and thriving.
I try to live sustainably – or, at least, I try to try.
But, like most people, I’m juggling a lot: work, family, keeping up with friends, and (very occasionally) exercise. Hobbies? Remind me what those are again?
That’s why I loved it when one of our brilliant School for Social Entrepreneurs participants, Jen Gale, published her book: The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide: Everything you need to know to make small changes that make a big difference…. Finally – someone saying it’s okay to not do everything perfectly. That making small, realistic changes still counts. This made things feel a bit less overwhelming and more achievable.
Fast-forward five years, and two children later… those good intentions haven’t disappeared, but they’ve taken a back seat.
With Plastic Free July just around the corner, and the Action Hampshire team sharing their pledges (from buying less plastic-wrapped fruit and veg to refilling cleaning products at local zero-waste shops) – I dusted off Jen’s book to inspire my five low-effort, real-life-friendly ways to reduce plastic.
My Top 5 Sustainable(ish) Plastic-Free July Tips:
- Do a ‘plastic audit’ of your bin
Sounds grim, but it’s eye-opening. What ends up in your recycling or landfill bin most often? That’s your starting point. For us, it was snack wrappers and milk bottles. - Switch one regular purchase to plastic-free
Don’t overhaul everything – just pick one. Ours was oat milk. We now get it in returnable glass bottles from a local refill shop. Easy swap, zero hassle. - Keep reusable bags everywhere
In the car, in the buggy, by the door. Bonus points for always having a fold-up tote in your coat pocket. It saves you from the guilt-ridden 10p plastic bag scramble or spending a fiver on another Waitrose bag for life, albeit they are beautiful! - Make one room a plastic-reduction zone
We started with the bathroom – refillable soap and shampoo. Buying toilet roll in plastic-free packaging. The kids and I sharing a toothbrush – only joking!! One room at a time feels doable. - Celebrate your wins, and ignore the guilt
Didn’t bring your reusable cup today? Oh well. Still used it yesterday. You’re trying – and that counts!
Jen Gale’s message is simple: You don’t have to do everything. Just do something.
So this July, whether you’re making one swap or five, know that it does make a difference. Let us know your Plastic Free July pledge by tagging @ActionHampshire or using #PlasticFreeJuly
Let’s make it a little more sustainable(ish) – together.
