Spread the word about Plastic Free July in Metro Detroit! This list should help provide people with the tools, tips, knowledge, initiatives, and other changes to be inspired by this month to use little to no plastic in the near future. Detroit is known for its increased efforts to help keep people off the streets, but it’s also doing well to initiate change to help keep trash off the streets. Plastic is a problem that has potential for a solution when the masses get involved in creative ways with even the smallest of acts having a lasting impact.
This global movement keeps spreading awareness each year to minimize plastic use and waste. According to estimates from the United Nations Environment Program, 400 million tons of plastic bags are used globally each year. In this list and other news outlets, you’ll find that Detroit grocers are heading in the right direction by promoting reusable bags and offering recycling or donation programs for used plastic bags.
Less food waste, less landfill pileups! Food waste is also mixed into the mess that millions are taking steps to clean up. Local small businesses are becoming more aware of what’s best for the environment and the future of our citizens and the rest of the planet.
Detroit’s sustainability scene is growing and widening its impact. Metro Detroiters are reducing plastic in their lives and have participated in the Plastic Free Challenge. Detroitisit rounded up a hopeful list to start off Plastic Free July in Metro Detroit strong.
PLANT PAPER AND OTHER PRODUCTS SOLD AT WALKING LIGHTLY, PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI/DETROITISIT
BUY FROM WALKING LIGHTLY AND PARTICIPATE IN THEIR UPCOMING EVENT
Event Date & Time: Community Cleanup, Ferndale at 10AM
Have you shopped from Walking Lightly, LLC in Ferndale yet? If not, this month is the time to get curious about your local shops that focus on eco-conscious ways of living, including minimal waste production & shipping. Walking Lightly, LLC (TM) is a convenient way to get community members on board with sustainably. Known as Metro Detroit’s first zero waste store and refillery. Stock up on your essential home, body, and pantry items here. They offer local delivery, and now shipping nationwide of solid sustainable products. Do your part and make a difference, so we can all have cleaner streets, oceans, and more thriving communities blooming with natural beauty year-round. June 26th is the unofficial kickoff plastic-free July in Metro Detroit with the Community Cleanup around Ferndale. Meetup at the shop at 10 in the morning.
Location: 1031 Hilton Rd, Ferndale
PHOTO ECOSPHERE ORGANICS/DETROITISIT
GET TO KNOW ECOSPHERE ORGANICS
Featured in one of our previous articles, Brittanie Dabney has the background and current vision igniting this Detroit startup into an established environmental leadership on a larger scale. Brittanie launched Ecosphere Organics at Newlab at Michigan Central and has been on a solid mission ever since to scale the use of organic waste. Ecosphere Organics’ strategic way of assisting businesses like restaurants and grocery stores and their waste management by developing onsite waste-processing equipment. Equally impactful, they convert organic waste into sustainable materials that can be used in everyday products—turning discarded food into value. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
CELEBRATE THE FOURTH OF JULY THE SBN DETROIT WAY: ECO-FRIENDLY TIPS
SBN Detroit put together a brief list of tips last year in 2024 to celebrate the Fourth of July while also making a commitment to be eco-friendly. SBN Detroit is a non-profit organization, which contains a network mobilizing businesses of all sizes. They work to create sustainable ways for all Detroit businesses, making Southeast Michigan a global leader in sustainability. The list below can be revisited on LinkedIn HERE and click HERE to view their website.
Here are their tips:
- Reduce waste by opting for reusable or biodegradable plates, cups, and utensils instead of single-use plastics.
- Choose decorations that can be reused year after year or made from recycled materials.
- If you’re grilling, consider using natural gas or propane grills which have a smaller carbon footprint than charcoal. Also, choose locally sourced and organic foods when possible.
- Make sure to recycle and compost where possible. Set up clearly marked bins to encourage your guests to do the same.
BE INFORMED ON LOCAL GROCERS DITCHING PLASTIC BAGS
Plastic Free July in Metro Detroit/Detroit can keep plastic off of the streets and out of the landfills in the area. This year’s plastic-free actions seem to follow-up on the initiatives from previous years and the impact we’ve seen. Take a look at the grocery stores and markets closest to you that are offering more paper bags to combat plastic bag waste pileup.
Several grocery stores across Metro Detroit – such as Western Market in Ferndale and the Detroit People’s Food Co-op – have transitioned to paper bags in place of single-use plastics. Local shops are also getting smarter in the way that they package their products and what containers they use. BYOB! You too can bring your own reusable bags.
As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on all things Detroit
