Every July, people around the world take part in a simple but powerful challenge: use less plastic. Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages each of us to take a closer look at our habits and make small, meaningful changes. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.
Whether it’s your first time participating or you’ve been at it for years, July is the perfect moment to reset and reconnect with your values. Even one small swap can be the start of a big shift.
What Is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a month-long campaign designed to help individuals and communities reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. It’s a chance to experiment, get creative, and build new habits that can last well beyond July. Think of it as a month of practice—not pressure.
Simple Swaps to Get You Started
If going completely plastic-free sounds daunting, start small. The best changes are the ones you can actually stick with. Here are a few beginner-friendly swaps:
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Instead of single-use plastic utensils, carry a reusable cutlery set in your bag or car.
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Bring your own mug or cup when you grab coffee (or go without the lid).
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Try switching to a solid shampoo or conditioner bar instead of a liquid bottle.
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Ditch plastic wrap in favor of food huggers or reusable containers.
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Skip plastic produce bags altogether. Most fruits and veggies don’t need them.
Small changes like these don’t require a major lifestyle overhaul, but they do add up.
Our Staff Picks for Plastic-Free Swaps
Need some inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite low-waste essentials available at Mission Refill:
Rose & Aloe Facial Toner
Amanda’s pick is our bulk rose and aloe toner. With only four ingredients, it hydrates, smooths, and balances the skin—all without the single-use packaging.
Pink Clay Shampoo Bar
Mariah loves the Pink Clay Shampoo Bar from Simpl Bars. It supports her hair texture and lasts for months, making it a plastic-free and budget-friendly swap.
Facial Cleansing Oil
Valerie’s go-to is CLEANSE by Verdant Wild. It removes makeup and sunscreen without stripping the skin or messing with its natural balance.
These are just a few of the refillable and package-free products we offer to make your Plastic Free July a little easier—and a lot more effective.
Come See Us at Beautify Goleta
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, July 19th | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ellwood Entrance (Intersection of Phelps Road and Cannon Green Drive)
We’re proud to be the supporting Captain for this year’s Beautify Goleta event! Join your neighbors for a morning of community action and sustainability. Stop by the Mission Refill table to learn simple ways to reduce your plastic use this July—and all year long.
We’ll also be hosting a free kids craft: make your own zero-waste bird feeder with the help of our staff. It’s a fun, hands-on way to get kids involved in the plastic-free movement.
There will also be a neighborhood clean-up and a bulky item drop-off located on Phelps between Emily Ln and Cannon Green. It’s a great day to give back, get inspired, and find new ways to live a little lighter on the planet.
We’re Here to Help
At Mission Refill, we believe sustainability should be simple and accessible. That’s why we offer over 50 refillable products, plastic-free personal care items, and guidance for anyone who wants to reduce waste without the overwhelm.
This July, take the challenge! One swap. One product. One new habit. Let’s make it count.