It’s Plastic Free July🌻☀️

I’ve been looking at posts and videos for ‘Plastic Free July’ and it’s already stuff Ive been doing. Some of them for decades like by using reusable bags. I really don’t need just a month. It’s about a life-style that I don’t think about putting effort into. It’s cheaper and for me it is about survival and comfort therapy. Wood utensils look beautiful. Bamboo has a nice color and sound. Steel spatulas pick up eggs easier from a pan and cast iron pans make food brown beautifully. I use a small loofa to scrub the sink. Everything natural is highly functional and is time tested. I’ve had my steel large Starbucks mug for at least 20 years. My straw hat is super lightweight. I use bar soap. I have a wood comb. My glass containers are perfect for soaking beans and I often use them to store food. Everything natural seems to last longer. I’m looking around to see what I am still using plastic with. My son got me a plastic phone case and the charger he gave me is plastic. My eyeglasses frames are plastic. The poster in my room of a watercolor print is in a plastic frame. I must have bought it about 30 years ago for my boys room decor that matches the paint of my room now. I don’t want to change it though. I also have a ’use what you have’ mentality, too.

As far as yarn crafts go, I haven't touched my circular knitting needles for weeks. I am just using all bamboo or wood needles and hooks. I stopped using synthetic yarns, too. I’m doing my best on eliminating plastic from my knitting. I’m not sure what to use as a meauring tape alternative with no plastic. I still don’t have a small wood or metal ruler. Im using a wood pencil instead of a pen. I have a metal pen but it’s pretty and I keep it in my purse. Anyway, Im not 100% plastic free but I definitely made an effort and will continue to make changes when I can.

Update 2025 - Plastic Free July

I've been working hard by eliminating plastic from my crafting this year and I will say it's been a challenge. But for this month, I want to challenge myself in knitting plastic free. No synthetic yarn, no plastic tools, no circular knitting needles, no plastic stitch markers or crochet hooks or cable needles.

That means I can still use my vintage aluminum straight needles and cable needles. But eventually I want to stop using those, too. But at least I can work on completely eliminating the plastic. My pencil sharpener has a plastic cover and my Jotter pen has a little bit of plastic on the end of the refill ink cartridge. oh wait, I got a new x-acto blade and I can sharpen pencils with it!

I hope you will join me for the challenge.

https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/campaigns/small-steps-big-difference