What to Do with Your Old Plastic Items – Plastic Free July Challenge
It’s Plastic Free July, and while you’re probably already making swaps like ditching single-use bags, bottles, and packaging, there’s one question that often comes up:
“What do I do with all the plastic I already own?”
Great question—and one we need to talk about. Plastic Free July isn’t about tossing out everything plastic in your home. In fact, that kind of “out with the old” approach can actually lead to more waste. The key is being intentional with how we manage and phase out our existing plastic items.
Why Join the Plastic Free July Challenge?
Because plastic pollution is no longer just a problem—it’s becoming a global crisis.
Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, rivers, landfills, and even our bodies. Microplastics are now found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the water we drink. This is a crisis we can still prevent, but only if we begin breaking our deep-rooted dependence on plastic.
We get it—plastic is cheap, durable, and lightweight, which is why it’s in everything from packaging to clothing to electronics. But that convenience comes at a cost. Plastic never truly goes away—it just breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that persist in the environment for centuries.
Plastic Free July gives us the perfect opportunity to take action—starting with small, manageable steps that collectively create huge change.
What to Do with Old Plastic Items
Here’s how you can deal with your old plastic responsibly during your Plastic Free July journey:
1. Use What You Already Have
Before replacing plastic items with sustainable alternatives, ask yourself:
Can I keep using this longer?
Reusability is always more sustainable than replacing something prematurely—even if the new item is made from bamboo, glass, or stainless steel.
That plastic lunchbox, Tupperware, or toothbrush holder? Keep using it until it’s no longer functional.
2. Recycle Smartly
If something has reached the end of its life, check if it’s recyclable in your area.
Pro tip: Not all plastics are created equal. Look for recycling symbols (#1 and #2 are usually the most accepted).
Use resources like:
- Earth911 Recycling Search
- Your city’s local waste management guidelines
And never wish-cycle! If it’s not recyclable, tossing it in the bin just contaminates the stream.
3. Repurpose Creatively
Get crafty! Old plastic containers can become:
- Plant pots
- Drawer organizers
- Toy storage bins
- DIY compost collectors
Turning “trash” into treasure is not only eco-friendly but often fun and useful. Google, checkout Pinterest and youtube for inspirations.
4. Donate or Share
If it’s still in decent shape, someone else might use it:
- Donate to shelters, schools, or community centers
- List items for free on Buy Nothing groups or local marketplaces
- Host a “Reuse & Swap” event in your neighborhood
5. Avoid ‘Green Guilt’
It’s easy to feel bad about the plastic in our homes, but guilt doesn’t help the planet—action does. Use Plastic Free July as a springboard to slowly and mindfully reduce future plastic use, while respecting what you already own.
6. Start Replacing with Intention
Once your old plastic breaks or wears out, replace it with longer-lasting, sustainable alternatives like:
- Glass or stainless steel containers
- Reusable silicone bags
- Compostable dish brushes
- Bamboo utensils
And keep it simple. Don’t fall into the trap of overbuying just to feel “eco”—minimalism and conscious consumption go hand in hand.
Join the Plastic Free July Challenge!
This month, commit to:
✔ Using up what you already have
✔ Swapping single-use plastics for sustainable alternatives
✔ Educating others about smarter plastic choices
Small steps. Big impact.
Want more tips? Check out my book, A Practical Guide to Zero Waste, filled with ideas to reduce waste, travel more sustainably, and live a simpler, greener life.
BONUS: It’s currently Buy 1, Get 1 Free!
Let’s make this July count—for the planet and for future generations. What’s the one plastic item you’re committed to replacing (or reusing better) this month? Share in the comments!
