Globally, the world produces over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year - A figure that has doubled in the past two decades. Yet less than 10% is actually recycled, with the vast majority ending up in landfills, incinerated, or polluting our environment.
Despite plastic being technically recyclable, it’s often more expensive and less efficient to process than to simply make new plastic, which is why so much of it still ends up in landfills and waterways, or oceans. It's not exactly the future we’re striving for.
Thankfully there are some do-gooders out there doing some really good things, including running incredible initiatives to combat the plastic waste crisis. One being Plastic Free July®. A campaign that has been running since 2011, by The Plastic Free foundation. Their vision? To see a world free of plastic waste. And we’re here for it as we believe real change happens when both individuals and organisations take responsibility and play their part.
So how can you be part of the solution this July and beyond? We’ve thrown together some small suggestions below.
REPLACE THROWAWAY CUPS.
Australians have long since had an affinity for coffee. So much so that Melbourne has more cafes per person than anywhere else in the world. There’s a reason we have held the coveted title of coffee capital of the world. Yet unfortunately, somehow in 2025, we still throw away 2.7 million single-use coffee cups each day. That’s almost 10 per cent of the population.
By choosing a reusable coffee cup such as a Fressko, not only are you reducing waste, but you are also, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving approximately 126 trees from being chopped down, and reducing water usage. This one is a no-brainer in our book. Plus they look pretty great. One small switch. One big statement.
USE A REUSABLE DRINK BOTTLE
Did you know that bottled water companies don’t produce water? They produce the plastic bottles. If that doesn’t weird you out enough, new research has found an average of 240,000 micro and nanoplastic particles in just one litre of popular bottled water brands, identifying seven types of plastic. Including those commonly used in bottle caps and synthetic materials like polyamide (nylon), PET, PVC, polystyrene, and polymethyl methacrylate. Gross.
It’s time to double down and make carrying your reusable drink bottle part of your daily routine - like grabbing your keys or phone. Keep it filled, keep it close, and soon it’ll become second nature. A Fressko Insulated Drink Bottle is the perfect chemical-free and BPA-free option, made from stainless steel. Available in two sleek sizes and a range of colours to suit each personal style.
TRY SOAP BARS
Feeling guilty every time you squeeze the last drop out of a plastic shampoo bottle? Us too. Thankfully, there’s a better way. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash bars are now widely available and many work just as well (if not better) than their bottled counterparts. They're often made with fewer ingredients, no unnecessary chemicals, come in minimal packaging, and last longer. Even better? You can DIY them at home (thanks TikTok).
Not only are you reducing your waste, chances are, you're treating your skin to more natural, gentle ingredients. Always read the label to check.
SWITCH OUT YOUR PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSH
Every plastic toothbrush you’ve ever used still exists. Let that sink in. Over 3.5 billion toothbrushes are sold globally each year, and most end up in landfill, rivers, or oceans - with small items like these often slipping through the cracks of the recycling process.
A simple switch? Try a bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo is a natural, fast-growing material that’s fully biodegradable, requires minimal water, and can be harvested within just 3-5 years. While it’s still recommended to replace your toothbrush every 3-6 months, bamboo offers a more sustainable alternative. Once you’re done, just snap off the bristles and toss the handle into your compost bin
REPLACE YOUR PLASTIC KITCHENWARE
This Plastic Free July, take a moment to notice what you use in your kitchen every day. When something breaks, wears out, or needs replacing, swap it for a more sustainable alternative. Cracked plastic containers? Replace them with glass or stainless steel. Worn-out utensils? Try wooden spoons or silicone spatulas. Upgrade plastic chopping boards to bamboo or hardwood, and ditch plastic wrap in favour of beeswax wraps or reusable silicone lids.
START WHERE YOU ARE
Change doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming. It starts with one small, conscious choice and grows from there. At Fressko, we’re proud to be part of a community that believes in doing better, not perfectly and striving for progress every day.
Join us in the unending pursuit of better. Because small changes really do make a big impact.
For more ideas on how to reduce your plastic waste. Head over to https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/