·        Ditch single-use plastic items. Say “no need!” at the drive thru or on delivery apps. Keep your own reusable utensils and straws in your car or at work.

·        Use a refillable water bottle! How long did that pallet of water sit in the sun before it got to the store? And how long did it sit in a garage or backseat afterwards?

·        Invest in glass, ceramic, metal, and BPA-free containers.

·        Shop local vendors and bulk grocers to avoid shipping waste and unnecessary packaging

And finally, for bulk household soaps, detergents, and cleaning products you can find a zero-waste refill shop in Central Florida. Local refilleries are becoming popular as more people become aware of the current plastics crisis. It’s not all doom and gloom. Do the math and you’ll see that refills can save you money, too! For example, compare 14.5 oz of Easy Off oven cleaner at Target for $4.69 to the same amount of plant-based Good Fills Pro Degreaser for only $4.21. Dropps laundry pods are $19.50+shipping for a subscription of 64 pods, or refill them easily at Good Fills for much less.

We don’t need a handful of people living perfectly zero-waste. We need millions of people willing to make small improvements. You can start here. Will you join the change this July?

Special Offer: Good Fills offers a discount for Natural Awakenings readers thru 7/31/22! Just mention “Plastic Free July” and get a 25% discount on all glass containers…as supplies last! The Market Guide lists their locations. See you at the Filling Station this summer! For more info (and video instructions) or to order online, visit www.goodfills.co.