Three days after the entry into force of the prohibition order of plastic bags in France, we are celebrating on this 3rd of July, the international day without plastic. As you may know, plastic bags and certain types of plastic containers are an enormous issue for the good health of our Ocean. So we would like to take advantage of this beautiful 3rd of July to mention some good examples of how to ban for good these types of plastic from our daily lives.
Shopping bags, baskets, tote bags & co.
There’s no use in piling up plastic bags which will end up in the ocean one day, so bring your own reusable bag or basket when you go shopping. If you feel like being more creative, you may also invest in tote Bags, which are reusable cotton bags created in your own style.
![](http://dev.surfrider.eu/img/pictures/2016/20160718/1607185175.jpg)
Cup to go
Drinking your coffee while walking is nice, but not very good for the environment. Paper cups are often misleading as they seem to be recyclable, but in fact they are covered with plastic which makes the cup resistant to the liquid content. Therefore, it is time to invest in a reusable cup, which does not prevent you from burning your fingers – but also from polluting the Ocean. Equally, in order to replcae plastic bottles, why not use drinking bottles that are just as handy and at the same time less polluting (see below).
![](http://dev.surfrider.eu/img/pictures/2016/20160718/1607188878.jpg)
![](http://dev.surfrider.eu/img/pictures/2016/20160718/1607188878.jpg)
Surfrider Europe gourd in partnership with Klean Kanteen
Buy fresh products
Buying fresh food generally means avoiding packaging. Go to farmers markets or choose to the fresh food shelf in your supermarket and consume quality food without packaging! Thus, when you go back home, you won’t have to throw away tons of paper, plastic or tins.
Go to grocery stores that do not use packaging
Some months ago we told you about package-free grocery stores, which are on the rise. The question here is not to avoid packages or not using plastic bags, but they are 100% package free. Customers bring their own reusable containers (glass boxes, tissue bags, glass bottles, etc.) and fill them with the quantity of a product they need. So don’t miss out and quickly visit the closest to your place package-free shop!
Many times we are not really aware of the little everyday gestures that can definitely help improve things and make our planet healthier. A life without plastic bags is easy, practical and gives you a better conscience on top. We hope that these little tips will give you an idea on how to avoid useless packages in your everyday life.
Léa Daulan, Rédactrice environnement