JULY is Plastic-Free Month, which inspires millions worldwide to take their own bags when shopping, make use of reusable cutlery and crockery or simply choose to not use a straw, among other things.

The Amanzimtoti community is urged to take a stand for at least this month and take up the challenge to use less single-use plastic items.

Read also: Create innovative gardens with old tyres 

The detrimental effect plastic has on the environment and the continued threat it poses to all the Earth’s living beings is well known, however not enough is being done to combat the mass churn-out of this substance every day. Alternative methods need to be put into play drastically, or the world will surely succumb to its own material obsession.

Instagrammer and local teacher, Michelle Lang (23) has taken to social media through her page ‘More Sass Less Trash’ (@moresass_lesstrash) to spread ways in which she not only reduces her own plastic usage, but shares how others can too. From goofy recipes for natural and plastic-free toothpaste, to reminding followers of the importance of choosing reusable bags when shopping, her ideas are both creative and inspiring.

Two of the easiest zero waste swops. Home made, package free toothpaste and bamboo tooth brushes.???? Toothpaste has many cancer causing ingredients, specifically the foaming agent ???? Creating your own toothpaste is an easy way to avoid the nasties aswell as the plastic. ~I have been using a bamboo toothbrush for a little over a year now. Did you know that over 30 million plastic toothbrushes are sent to landfill ever year in South Africa. These tooth brushes will out live you and your children ???? The swop is easy. It just requires a little effort and actually giving a crap ???????? Toothpaste recipe: *coconut oil *bicarbonate of soda *xylitol (for sweetness) *organic activated charcoal powder *peppermint drops (for minty freshness) #zerowaste #Plasticfree #zerowastelife #plasticfreejuly

A post shared by Michelle Van Rooyen (@moresass_lesstrash) on Jun 19, 2018 at 7:36am PDT

“I’ve always recycled and been passionate about the environment,” said Michelle.

“However, I wasn’t very conscious of exactly how much plastic I was using everyday until a friend of mine explained to me that straws, for example, will out-live me and my children’s children.” Michelle realised there was no way these facts could be ignored. Michelle then took the first and easiest steps to a plastic-free life, by refusing plastic bags and straws.

“I just used reusable bags and bought myself a bamboo straw and a different stainless steel straw,” she explained. “I also started composting all my food scraps, which really gave me insight into how much waste I was already eliminating. I was sending less and less black bags to the landfill, which then inspired me to go further and see what else I could swap out, which for me was take-away cups.”

Michelle admitted that continually learning about new plastic-free alternatives has become an amazing hobby. When asked about challenges she faces along the journey to a plastic-free lifestyle, she admitted that the biggest challenge is the supermarkets.

“South Africa is only now only starting to be aware of our plastic usage, so the stores are still using excessive packaging for their products,” she said, and said that one has to know which stores carry loose fruit and vegetables.

DAY 1 of #plasticfreejuly today! I managed to get loads of veg and fruit plastic free today. Minus the cucumber because I can't find any plastic free cucumber ????. I will just have to start growing my own again! If all of this is available at the shops then why choose the options with plastic or packaging? Look how easy it is ????‍♀️ It will never be possible to be completely zero waste but it is possible to avoid plastics and try your best ???? #dowhatsright #fuckplastic #zerowastesouthafrica #plasticpollution #plasticfreejuly #Plasticfreelifestyle #zerowaste #plasticpollution

A post shared by Michelle Van Rooyen (@moresass_lesstrash) on Jul 1, 2018 at 5:52am PDT

“I think ignorance is bliss, those who don’t understand my lifestyle think their one plastic straw won’t make a difference, but that’s eight billion people saying their one piece of plastic won’t make a difference everyday,” she said.

Michelle’s friends and family have been extremely encouraging and have even purchased reusable straws, following their environmentally-conscious friend’s lead. For those who are keen to take the first step towards a plastic-free lifestyle, she advised them to refuse plastic packets and invest in a few reusable bags.

“Make sure to leave them in your car and near your door, so you grab them on your way out,” she said. “Definitely refuse straws. Sip your drink or use a reusable straw. I can’t tell you how many straws I pick up when on the beach. Once these things become habit, then go further by refusing other single use plastics.”

So I love with my new string bag for the farmers market ???? it waits by the back door for me so that I don't forget it on my way out ♻️???????????? #zerowaste #Plasticfree #plasticfreejuly #dowhatsright #fuckplastic #zerowastesouthafrica #plasticpollution

A post shared by Michelle Van Rooyen (@moresass_lesstrash) on Jun 27, 2018 at 7:37am PDT

Michelle shared her local recycling spots.

“There’s a glass bin behind All Out Action Sports Bar in Warner Beach. Paper bins nearly everywhere. A plastic bin by Pick ‘n Pay Arbour. Once you take up the opportunity to recycle and compost, you are left with virtually no rubbish in your black bag at home,” she beamed.

Michelle has taken her environmentally-conscious living a step further and grows many of her own vegetables and herbs. All food scraps that are composted nourish these plants, which bring no plastic packaging into her home, proving another great way to reduce plastic.

An easy way to avoid plastics and packaging is to grow your own food ???????????????????? For example, I have not purchased lettuce or kale since last year! Growing your own fruits and vegetables is fun and easy and encourages you to eat healthy, organic produce daily. Once you start, you won't be able to stop ???? #zerowaste #Plasticfree #growyourown #zerowasteliving #plasticfreejuly

A post shared by Michelle Van Rooyen (@moresass_lesstrash) on Jun 20, 2018 at 7:59am PDT

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