Plastic Free July: The Plastic You Forgot to Notice
Plastic Free July is back!
Every July millions of people worldwide try reducing their plastic waste by choosing to refuse single-use plastic, all thanks to Plastic Free Foundation.
I like to think of it as a gentle nudge to swap a few things out, look a little closer, and maybe finally do something about that drawer overflowing with cling film, foil, and loose freezer bags.
Most of us think we’ve done our part if we carry a tote bag and skip the straw. But plastic isn’t just in the packaging. It’s baked into our daily habits, especially in the kitchen.
Take cling film.
It’s flexible, sticky, and used once before heading straight to landfill, where it stays for hundreds of years. It can’t be recycled, and it’s nearly impossible to reuse as it turns into a clingy, crumpled mess.
Then there's aluminium foil. Sounds innocent, but unless it’s spotlessly clean (and let’s be honest- it rarely is), it also heads straight for landfill. Producing it takes 200 times more energy than producing plastic wrap.
And don’t get me started on plastic gym bottles. Scratched, smelly, and slowly breaking down over time. Studies show that reused plastic bottles are even dirtier than your toilet seat!
And last but definitely not least, the chopping board.
Most plastic chopping boards are made from polyethylene. Each time you cut, small particles can flake off and mix with your food.
And while wooden boards are a natural alternative, they’re also porous, making them a favourite hangout spot for bacteria and mould, especially in humid kitchens.
So, what can we do about all of this?
Plastic Free July isn’t about throwing out everything and buying a whole new kitchen. It’s about pausing. Asking better questions. And slowly choosing better tools.At Velcorian, we’ve designed a few of those:
- Our chopping boards don’t shed, stain, or get disposed after 2 years.
- Beeswax wraps- a great alternative to cling film and foil- that actually seal and are reusable.
- And steel tumblers that don’t absorb the smell of every smoothie you’ve ever made.
We’re not perfect either. But we believe small upgrades made intentionally can shift the way your kitchen feels and functions for years.
P.S. If you're ready to replace a few tired kitchen habits with something longer-lasting and better for the planet, you’ll find some beautiful options in our shop. If you're not quite there yet- just noticing is a great place to start.
#PlasticFreeJuly #Velcorian #KitchenUpgrade #NoMoreClingFilm