“Plastic-Free July,” a national campaign to encourage the public to cut back on their single-use plastic, kicked off on July 1. Single-use plastic products aren’t just more costly and less safe for businesses and consumers, they also result in disastrous aquatic pollution and contribute to climate change. And the pandemic has only served to increase our reliance on single-use plastic, says Jaclyn Wegner, director of conservation action at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.
“Throughout the pandemic, many businesses and individuals have reversed progress on reducing plastic pollution by turning back to disposable plastic materials,” said Wegner. “As the world reopens and as we continue to heed the advice of scientists, we know that reuse always wins—for people, our planet and our bottom line. During Plastic-Free July, Shedd Aquarium hopes to re-instill confidence in reusable materials and put us back on track toward plastic-free waterways.”
You can do your part by replacing single-use disposable plastic items with reusable items, and by supporting businesses committed to reducing their plastic usage. You can also support the cause by buying products that are made from recycled plastic. Here are 15 of our favorites.
Axiology Elusive Lipstick
Verishop, $30
A super moisturizing and nourishing lipstick, this beauty staple is clean, vegan and cruelty-free. Better yet, the packaging is made from recycled waste by a women’s cooperative in Bali and the tube is made from post-consumer recycled plastic.
Anya Hindmarch ‘I Am a Plastic Bag’ Recycled-Canvas Tote Bag
Matches Fashion, $945
In a mood-lifting hue, this tote is crafted from recycled plastic canvas — a material developed in house by Anya Hindmarch using recycled plastic bottles and recycled car windshields.
Shop more colors here.
Le Specs Grass Band Round-Frame Recycled Plastic Sunglasses
Selfridges, $97
Chic frames that also help the planet? Yes, please. Le Spec’s recycled frames are made from 25% grass fibers and 75% recyclable thermoplastic. They also feature grey tinted lenses that give you 100% UV protection.
Circe Gallery Natural Rubber Yoga Mat
Wolf & Badger, $171
A luxuriously cushioned yoga mat, Kati Kaia combines unique artwork with high performance to inspire your everyday practice. It’s also made from 100% natural sustainable rubber and recycled PET bottles.
Black ‘Rocket’ Recycled Knit Sneakers
Paul Smith, $148
Not only are these sneakers eye-catching, they are made from recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic, providing lightweight comfort.
REN Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp and Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash
Sephora, $28
A hyped body wash for every skin type, REN uses 100% recycled plastic in their packaging that contains 20% reclaimed plastic found in our oceans. It’s self care that gives back!
Breda Play Recycled Plastic Watch
Nordstrom, $100
With a beautiful and clean design, Breda’s Play watch is made using recycled TPU plastic for a see-through, light-hearted, fresh look and has a clean, uncluttered dial.
Wool Runners
Allbirds, $95
Allbirds goes to great lengths to create fashionable and sustainable footwear made from renewable materials, meaning no details goes unnoticed. Their laces are even made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, meaning one old plastic bottle becomes one pair of shoelaces.
Cloud Comforter
Buffy, starts at $129
Want to feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud? Buffy’s comforters are cool and soft, made from eucalyptus lyocell and filled with recycled plastic filling (the “earth-friendliest puff possible”).
Trellis Planter
Design Within Reach, $995
Talk about having a green thumb — this modern trellis planter is crafted from recycled and recyclable plastic. It’s also fade-resistant, maintenance-free and can withstand extreme weather, making it a true investment piece.
Paravel Derby Black Aviator Carry On Plus
Tuckernuck, $275
Travel in style with Paravel’s carry-on suitcase that is made from recycled polycarbonate, 100% RPET (made from 15 upcycled plastic water bottles) and recycled aluminum.
Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous Ocean Protector Mosasaurus Figure
Target, $34.99
If you have a Jurassic World fan in your life (and who doesn’t?), grab this Camp Cretaceous Mosasaurus Figure that is part of their Ocean Protector line. What does that mean? This toy is made from one pound of ocean-bound plastic (waste that is in risk of ending up in the oceans) sourced within 31 miles of waterways in areas lacking formal waste collection systems.
Sunshine Nylon Backpack Tote
Wolf and Badger, $290
A sunny bag that does it all, the Pro easily converts from a backpack to a tote to a cross-body bag. It’s made from recycled nylon and up-cycled plastic.
A few more items we love:
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