Plastic Free July is a global movement aimed at raising awareness of the number of single-use plastic items that are part of everyday life.

Every July participants commit to cutting back on single-use plastic, in turn learning new skills that help reduce their waste throughout the whole year. With local educational events coming up at the end of the month, it’s not too late to join in.

Plastic Free July 2022 is going to go down in my history book and that is not a bad thing.

For me, this year I’m making a conscious effort to think twice at the supermarket.

It will also be the year I learn how to make a range of cleaning products.

I will be attending the upcoming Wastebusters Chemical Free Cleaning Product Workshop on July 24 to see just how easy and effective it is.

As a result, I’m hoping my consumption of unnecessary plastic bottles full of chemical sprays, multipurpose cleaners and detergents will be a thing of the past.

Instead, I will buy bulk ingredients, like vinegar and baking soda in reusable containers to make my own products.

It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to taking on and once I’ve nailed it I’ll probably think “why have I not done this sooner”?

But, that is the thing about Plastic Free July - trying new things, embracing them and sharing those ideas with others.

The workshop, led by Shona Bain, will be a turning point in my Plastic Free July journey I hope. There are just a couple of tickets left if you want to join us.

Shona runs classes in the community for Central Otago REAP. Her aim is to educate people to help them reduce, recycle and revamp plastic from their lives.

Less plastic lining the shelves at home can only be a good thing, and in a world where we are all leading busy lives, simple solutions are an absolute bonus.

Plastic Free July events

Cleaning Product Workshop

July 24, Central Otago Netball pavilion, 1pm-3pm, spaces limited, register via Wastebusters Alexandra Facebook page

For the Blue screening and panel discussion

Queenstown, Dorothy Browns, Wednesday July 27, 7pm-9pm

Wānaka, Cinema Paradiso, Friday, July 29, 7pm-9pm

Tickets $15, available at wastebusters.co.nz

For the Blue screening

Alexandra, Central Cinema, Friday July 29, 5.30pm

Tickets, free, limited to 40, email: [email protected]