Plastic Free July tips from Sustainable Coastlines

Aotearoa has a big problem with plastic – five-million-plastic-bottles big. Our recycling system is not perfect either and less than 45% of our recyclable bottles are recycled. That's a lot of plastic floating its way to our oceans.

Fortunately, we can tackle this big problem with small solutions. Our friends at Sustainable Coastlines are using Plastic Free July to share simple swaps that will reduce your consumption of plastic:

Reduce your plastic consumption with these swaps

• Refill your laundry detergent at a refillery instead of replacing it with a new bottle

• Take your reusable water bottle out with you and find free water on the go with RefillNZ

• Swap shampoo bottles for shampoo bars

• Ditch plastic cling film and try a compostable version or wax paper

The Sustainable Coastlines team also need your help with their ANZ Love Your Water Planting Series. They're hosting tree planting days until August 20, 2022. Check your calendar, grab a refillable water bottle, rally some helpers and get stuck in.

If you're unable to join one of the Love Your Water events, but still want to help, contact Sustainable Coastlines to organise your own tree planting day.