Plastic Free July is a global movement which continues to grow in popularity year on year. It aims to raise awareness of the impact of single use plastic on our environment and educate consumers on different ways to reduce plastic waste in their communities and homes.
With more plastic-free options than ever before, consumers can choose sustainable products without sacrificing on quality, convenience, or variety. Here, we look at 6 plastic-free brands leading the way in this space not just during July, but year-round.
The Wheat Straws Company
Tired of sucking on soggy paper straws as bars and restaurants in the UK began cutting out single-use plastic, friends Ben and Roger started looking for a better alternative that was still sustainable. It wasn’t long into their research that they realised straws are called ‘straws’, because they were once made from STRAW – a natural by-product of wheat harvests. And so, The Wheat Straws Company was founded. Unlike paper straws (which contribute towards deforestation), wheat straws would otherwise be burnt or thrown away, so saving them actually reduces gas emissions!
Ethique
Founded by Brianne West in 2012, Ethique is the world’s 1st zero waste beauty brand. Their dedication to sustainable beauty practices has prevented the manufacture and disposal of over 8 million plastic containers worldwide. Their impressive solid product line-up includes everything from shampoos, to face scrubs and deodorants – even a baby range, Little Ethique! Ethique are committed to giving back to the environment, and so all products have been approved for a palm oil free certification with Orangutan Alliance. This also means that Ethique only create products that are cruelty-free and vegan – and made with ingredients that are 100% sustainably sourced and biodegradable and packaging that is fully compostable.
Patch
PATCH was born when James Dutton noticed that while trying to protect his son’s adventure wounds, his skin was in fact reacting badly to a common wound covering and making the wound worse. He was shocked to discover that there is an array of chemicals that lurk in the common plasters. James’ research found that a staggering number of the of the world’s population can’t wear common wound care coverings, which was predicted to be on rise. Enter PATCH – an incredible natural alternative to traditional plasters made from sustainable bamboo, which are hypoallergenic and 100% compostable! Infused with different natural ingredients like aloe vera for burns and blisters, coconut oil for cuts and scratches and charcoal for bites and splinters – PATCH plasters are an amazing addition to any first aid kit.
Bumboo
Stronger than steel, naturally anti-bacterial, an impressive soil regenerator, CO2 absorber and oxygen producer, and the fastest growing plant on the planet – bamboo boasts some impressive attributes. That’s why Bumboo chose to use this amazing natural material for their beautifully soft luxury toilet rolls – which are individually wrapped in 100% plastic free packaging. What’s more, a tree is planted for every box of Bumboo purchased!
Wild
There are plenty of ‘natural’ deodorants on the market, but not all of them are effective in reducing odour – and many aren’t as eco-friendly as they claim to be. Don’t’ sweat it – Wild have you covered. Wild, the world’s first zero-plastic deodorant refill, is made from plants, packaged in plants and can be composted down to feed new plants! Their dermatologically approved formula is effective without blocking pores or disrupting PH levels. To ensure you’re always covered, Wild also have a handy refill subscription service. To get started, simply select your case colour, choose your refill scent (which includes everything from rose to coconut) and choose a delivery date!
Grace & Green
Grace & Green – creators of all-natural 100% certified organic period products – realised that the hygiene industry was rife with irresponsible business practise. That is why they decided to develop a period product brand that led the way with more responsible manufacturing – for example, their factory is a converted water mill that generates more power than it uses! Grace & Green are also committed to fighting back on period poverty, and so work with charity organisations for women and girls in underserved areas. All Grace & Green products (from pads to tampons and liners) are fully biodegradable – everything is produced to be kind to your body and to the planet.
Pela
Beautifully designed and eco-friendly, Pela cases are the world’s first truly sustainable phone case. Founder Jeremy Lang saw first-hand how much plastic was harming our oceans during a trip to Hawaii in 2010. This led to years of experimenting with various materials before creating the perfect plastic-free phone case – free of BPA, lead, cadmium and phthalates. Not only are Pela certified Carbon Neutral and a B Corp – but also a proud member of 1% for the Planet which supports organisations who are working hard to better the planet.