Plastic Free July: A Step Towards Sustainable Living

 

When you think about all the plastic you use daily, it can amount to a lot - water bottles, grocery bags, food containers, straws, product packaging, toys, and even the tiny buttons on your clothes. Experts estimated that the world produced 220 million tons of plastic waste in 2024 and out of this, 69.5 million tons were expected to be mismanaged, potentially harming the environment.

We can make this July a Plastic Free July- let’s take a step back and think about how we can make small but meaningful changes. What if we found another way to use the items that we’ve been thinking of throwing away? What if we swapped out those plastic items for more sustainable options? What if we embraced eco-friendly alternatives to plastic that don’t harm the planet? Together, we can reduce our environmental footprint and make choices that truly matter.

This movement isn’t just about a month or one person; it’s a global effort and an ongoing one. It encourages individuals, families, and businesses to rethink their reliance on plastic. By adopting simple plastic-free living tips, we can all contribute to creating a healthier, cleaner world.

In this blog, we’ll uncover why plastic is a big problem, discover sustainable swaps for plastic, and share practical ways you can support the plastic free July movement.

Why Plastic is a Problem

In the past 40 years, global plastic waste has increased over seven times, and if we do not set actionable solutions, it is predicted that the amount may double in the next 20 years. As discussions intensify this year, the stakes are higher than ever.

Our oceans are already bearing the brunt of this crisis. According to ocean scientist Marcus Eriksen, over 5 trillion pieces of plastic are floating on the sea’s surface, weighing hundreds of thousands of tons—more than the weight of 11 Statues of Liberty. And that’s just what we can see. Researchers believe the non-visible number could be far greater than our estimates, with plastic sinking below the surface and transforming into microplastics. The fact that so little plastic is recycled makes the situation even more worrisome. It is difficult to believe, but less than 10% of all plastic produced is ever recycled. 

These figures clearly indicate that we are at a pivotal juncture. As we move through 2025, the time to act is now more than ever. United, we can make better decisions to combat pollution and create a safer, healthier planet for everyone.

The Alarming Reality of Plastic Waste in the U.S.

Plastic is a big part of daily life. It plays a crucial role in healthcare, transportation, and other essential areas. However, there is so much plastic out there that is unnecessary and the unnecessary and excessive plastics come with a great cost to the environment, animals, and even our health. From single-use bags, wrappers, and excess packaging, so much plastic is made just to be thrown away. Cutting back on wasteful plastic is a simple way to make a difference.

In 2023, the U.S. was the second-largest contributor of plastic waste, with each American adding about 485 pounds annually (roughly the weight of a baby grand piano). On top of that, Americans use 50 billion plastic bottles a year, averaging 151 per person, and go through one plastic bag a day. This difference is striking when compared to Denmark, where the per-person consumption is four bags a year. If they are able to achieve this, perhaps we can too.

Starting off with reusable bottles, cutting off plastic bags, or just reducing our dependence on disposable plastics can steer us in the right direction. We can't solve this overnight, but even a small contribution from each of us can make a significant difference. 

Microplastics Impacts

Every year, around 8 million tons of plastic enter the ocean and break down into tiny pieces called microplastics. Estimates suggest around 170 trillion plastic pieces are currently afloat in the seas. These bits, ranging from microscopic specks to the size of a pencil eraser, do not only reside in oceans, but in our air, bottled water, and even the soil we grow food in.

Studies suggest that humans ingest close to 5 grams of microplastics each week, which is the equivalent of a credit card. Microplastics have also infiltrated marine life at an alarming rate, causing harm to entire ecosystems and making their way up the food chain. Out of the 159 samples analyzed from 14 countries, including the U.S., 83% had microplastics, with 99.7% of the particles being fibers.

The problem is growing, but so is awareness. Through small lifestyle changes such as improving recycling habits and reducing the use of plastic, we can help curb pollution and save our planet.

Terra Thread's Sustainable Materials

Opting for sustainable materials is a powerful step toward cutting plastic waste. The campaign for Plastic-Free July is effective because it is simple and attainable. Rather than asking for a complete overhaul of one’s way of life, it calls for the omission of single-use plastic straws, plastic bags, and plastic bottles. These simple actions help to foster and nurture a culture of sustainable living.

At Terra Thread, we believe in providing truly sustainable options. Our organic cotton bags are beneficial for the environment, and for you too!

Materials Comparison

Feature	Terra Thread Organic Cotton	Conventional Plastics
Durability	Lasts decades with proper care	Lasts 20-500+ years in landfills
Biodegradability	1-5 months	20-500+ years, but it never fully disappears
Toxicity	Organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides or insecticides.	Releases over 50 harmful chemical byproducts

 

Terra Thread Certifications

Terra Thread has a holistic view of sustainability. Every item is designed to minimize environmental damage and benefit humanity.

Organic Cotton- A sustainable choice grown without harmful chemicals. Compared to conventional cotton, it lowers global warming impact by 46%, acidification by 70%, soil erosion by 26%, water use by 91%, and energy use by 62%.

Fair Trade Certified—Supports fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.

B Corp Certified—We meet high standards for doing good for people and the planet.

 

Why Terra Thread Bags Last Longer than Plastic Bags

Plastic pollution is out of control, with more than 400 million metric tons of plastic waste produced on an annual basis, a considerable amount of which is being dumped into landfills, oceans, and the atmosphere. The most concerning aspect of all is that a large quantity of plastic bags and accessories lose their durability at a fast pace, adding to the chaos.

At Terra Thread, we aim to produce lasting products. Made with ethical and sustainable practices, our bags are sturdy, and suitable for any adventure. Prioritizing natural materials allows us to mitigate waste while providing a sustainable way to carry what matters.

• Made with heavy-duty 12–14-ounce organic cotton canvas
• Metal zippers and fasteners—no plastic parts
• Designed to be repaired, not thrown away
• Grows softer and stronger over time

How Terra Thread Cuts Your Plastic Use

Choosing Terra Thread means saying no to plastic waste in your daily life:

• Backpacks— Switch to sustainable and durable offerings.
• Makeup Bags— A greener way to store your essentials.
• Duffle Bags— Travel sustainably without plastic materials
• Fanny Packs— Lightweight and sturdy without synthetic fabrics
• Work Totes— A professional and eco-friendly choice

Plastic-Free Shipping, Always

No bubble wrap. No styrofoam. No plastic. 

We ship our products with minimal, eco-friendly packaging because sustainability shouldn’t stop at the product itself.

7 Ways You Can Support Plastic Free July

 

1. Switch to Reusable Bags
2. Choose Biodegradable Over Recyclable
3. Refuse Single-Use Plastics
4. Educate Yourself and Others
5. Support Eco-Conscious Brands
6. Participate in Clean-Up Drives
7. Switch to Plastic-Free Personal Care

 

Switch to Reusable Bags

Plastic bags are one of the biggest sources of waste, but they’re also easy to replace. Swap them for durable options like Terra Thread’s certified organic cotton bags. Places that have introduced a small fee for plastic bags have seen a drop in usage by more than 90%. Imagine the difference we could make if more people made the switch!

Choose Biodegradable Over Recyclable

Recycling is important, but it’s not always reliable. Studies indicate that only 14% of plastic packaging actually gets recycled. Choosing biodegradable alternatives, like organic cotton or compostable materials, ensures less waste ends up in landfills or oceans.

Refuse Single-Use Plastics

The small decisions we make every day make a big difference in the long run. Say no to plastic straws, cutlery, and takeout containers by carrying your own reusable versions. Americans use around 500 million straws a day, an amount enough to fill over 46,000 school buses. By reducing single-use plastic waste, we can keep our mark on the planet minimal.

Educate Yourself and Others

Knowledge is power. Learn about plastic pollution and share what you know. For example, scientists predict that 99% of seabirds will have plastic in their stomachs by 2050. Talking about these facts can inspire others to make changes too.

Support Eco-Conscious Brands

Where you shop matters - look for sustainable brands. A PwC study found that some consumers are willing to pay 9.7% more for sustainably sourced goods, as 85% have experienced the effects of climate change firsthand. When we choose better, we encourage more businesses to go green.

Participate in Clean-Up Drives

Participate in or host community clean-ups aimed at eliminating plastic pollution from public parks, beaches, and roads. These activities don't just clean up the environment; they also educate people on proper waste disposal practices and the effects littering has on it.

Switch to Plastic-Free Personal Care

Countless beauty and hygiene products have concealed plastic components in them. Consider replacing plastic pads with cotton pads, plastic toothbrushes with bamboo alternatives, eliminating plastic bottles, and opting for shampoo bars instead. Simple shifts in your everyday life can greatly reduce the amount of plastic you contribute to the world.

Conclusion

Every time you say no to a plastic bag, use a reusable bottle, or make a small eco-friendly choice, it all adds up to something bigger. The truth is that plastic pollution didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t disappear immediately either. But with every effort we make, we get one step closer to a cleaner, healthier planet.

The choices we make today will shape the future. Making sustainable choices, encouraging others, and supporting sustainable brands that make eco-conscious decisions is how we resolve the problem instead of just ignoring it. It’s not about being perfect but making sensible choices one step at a time. 

Plastic Free July is a movement that reminds us of the power of small actions. A movement that can birth a world where beaches aren’t covered in plastic, where animals don’t mistake trash for food, and where future generations don’t have to clean up the mess we leave behind. That world starts with us. 

Let’s make the effort to make the small efforts beyond a month and turn them into lasting change. The planet is counting on it, and so are future generations.