12:30, 22 July 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Plastic Free July is a great time of year to think about just how much plastic we consume on a daily basis. When it comes to thinking about reducing your consumption, it may seem like an endless and fruitless endeavor. But breaking it down into small goals can help eco-friendly habits stick and leave you better off in the long run.
Why not start with making a few simple swaps that remove some plastic from your household?
In 2026, plastic is everywhere. Trying to not sound like a conspiracy theorist when describing just how much we are surrounded by plastic is not an easy feat, but stay with us here.
Microplastics and nanoplastics — the near-invisible tiny bits of plastic that sheds off with every use and wash from plastic-based materials — have an impact on your life and the quality of every environmental ecosystem.
Want to take decisions into your own hands? If none of the swaps on this list seem to be inline with your lifestyle, a quick and easy hack is to be very conscious about the materials.
Try to move away from synthetic fibres and give natural fibres your allegiance. Not only do they break down naturally over time, they don’t produce any microplastics and are reported to last longer.
Remember: the switch doesn’t need to be instant, but gradually becoming more and more conscious of the materials you use, is doing your part. Let’s get into the list:
Despite being easier to clean and more durable, these containers are also healthier for you and the planet. Let’s be honest, we have all been in a situation where tomato sauce has stained a plastic food container beyond salvation.
But luckily that issue is completely solved while also lasting longer and doesn’t introduce microplastics into your food when you put them in the microwave. A win-win if you ask me.
This is a two-for-one, but the point remains the same: BYOB (bring your own bottle). 1.3 billion plastic water bottles are used daily, totalling up to 500 billion annually. With the vast range of reusable vessels available in all different aesthetics, the need to continually purchase plastic water bottles is a choice that can be easily changed.
Luckily, many cafes and restaurants will give you a small discount for bringing in your own cup. And if you don’t want to carry too much around, opt for a collapsable version instead.
Similarly with our point on glass food containers, let’s try to avoid contact with plastic and our food as much as possible. Silicone food storage bags can replace hundreds of disposable zip lock bags.
When it comes to any bottled product, the only thing you need is what is inside, the packaging is usually completely irrelevant and gets thrown away when it has served its purpose.
Statistics show that the average person goes through between 9 to 10 bottles of shampoo every year. By switching to bar organic and eco-friendly made bar soaps and shampoos, you can reduce this amount to zero.
These versions of the products are generally more concentrated than their liquid counterparts and can last even longer, saving you money and time.
Ditch the polyester blend and sink into the rich smoothness of natural fibres such as cotton, silk, bamboo or hemp.
These materials are generally gentler on your skin and are a much better alternative to any cloths you may use around the house. Bamboo makeup remover pads, cotton surface towels…
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Plastic Free Foundation. Known around the world for their Plastic Free July campaign, this global initiative is tackling plastic consumption with easy swaps and environmental information. Find out more.
5 Gyres Institute. This is a California-based nonprofit that researches plastic pollution in the oceans and leads zero-waste institutions with the public. Find out more here.
Break Free From Plastic. This is an international global movement that is helping to lead a plastic-free future. They have partnered with over 13,000 supporters to lead global plastic consumption. Support them here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Responsible Consumption and Production.
