5 Important Tips to Know for the Plastic-Free July Challenge

Why Plastic-Free July Matters

Plastic-Free July is more than just a 30-day challenge — it’s a global movement empowering millions to reduce single-use plastic and rethink consumption habits. With over 400 million tons of plastic produced every year and nearly half designed for single-use, our planet is at a tipping point. Participating in this challenge helps reduce pollution, protect wildlife, and shift consumer culture toward sustainability.

At NOMAD, we believe clean hydration shouldn’t come at the cost of a polluted ocean. Here are five key tips to help you navigate the month with impact and intention.

1. Audit Your Daily Plastic Use

Before making changes, observe where plastic shows up in your day — grocery bags, food containers, water bottles, packaging. Keep a journal for 2–3 days and track what you throw away. Awareness is the first step toward long-term change.

🔍 Tip: Pay special attention to convenience items — they’re often the biggest culprits and easiest to replace.

2. Invest in Reusable Essentials

Swapping single-use for reusable alternatives has a compounding effect. A few key upgrades:

• Water bottles: Ditch disposable bottles for a reusable, filtered option like SafeSip™.

• Shopping bags: Carry compact, foldable totes with you.

• Cutlery & straws: Keep a travel set in your bag or car.

These swaps not only reduce plastic waste but also save money over time.

3. Read Labels and Choose Plastic-Free Packaging

Start scanning product labels with a critical eye. Opt for items packaged in cardboard, glass, or compostables. At the grocery store, choose loose produce over pre-wrapped, and buy pantry staples in bulk.

📦 Tip: Support brands that are transparent about their sustainability efforts — and call out greenwashing when you see it.

4. Don’t Let Perfect Be the Enemy of Progress

You don’t need to live zero-waste to participate meaningfully. The goal of Plastic-Free July is progress, not perfection. Whether you refuse five plastic items or fifty, your effort counts. Small daily changes—especially when repeated—create powerful ripple effects in your habits and community.

5. Get Others Involved

Change sticks when it’s shared. Invite friends, coworkers, or your audience to join the challenge. Post your swaps, celebrate wins, and share helpful tools like reusable alternatives, documentaries, or statistics. The more visibility the movement gains, the greater the collective impact.

📣 Tip: Use #PlasticFreeJuly and tag organizations leading the charge. Grassroots visibility can drive policy-level change.

Our Commitment

At NOMAD, we’re proud to support Plastic-Free July as part of our broader mission to reduce single-use waste and protect global water systems. With products like SafeSip™, powered by AtomX Filter™ and built to last, we’re helping people hydrate better — without harming the planet.

Every refill, every reused bottle, every plastic skipped — it matters.