At Ocean Bottle, we believe that big change starts with small actions. 

Plastic Free July is the perfect moment to make simple swaps that help reduce plastic waste and protect our ocean at the same time.

Every second breath we take comes from the ocean; it holds 97 percent of all earth’s water, regulates our climate and provides food and income for billions of people. Yet there are more microplastics in the ocean than stars in the Milky Way.

However, it’s not too late. We have a window of opportunity to turn the tide. Together this is a solvable problem - if we all play our part. If you’re looking for ways to dial back on plastic, here are some simple swaps that make a world of difference.

Well, let’s just start with the obvious shall we: your water bottle. A high-quality reusable bottle cuts out thousands of single-use plastic bottles each year. At Ocean Bottle, every purchase drives real impact bystopping a 1,000 plastic bottles in weight entering the ocean. To date, we’ve collected the equivalent of almost two billion bottles. 

But it doesn’t stop at water. Use a reusable coffee cup, (yeah we sell those too) carry a tote bag for shopping, and refill household items like washing-up liquid, shampoo or hand soap at local refill stations. Apps like Refill or Zero Waste Near Me can help you find your nearest spot.

It’s incredible how many products come unnecessarily wrapped in plastic - we’re looking at you bananas! Look out for “naked” fruits and veggies at the supermarket, or better yet, support your local market where produce often comes plastic-free by default.

The same goes for household items: choose bar soap and shampoo over liquid in a plastic bottle, and check out plastic-free toothpaste tablets, they’re more common (and less weird) than you might think.

Cling film might feel indispensable, but there are better, more sustainable options. Beeswax wraps are a reusable favourite, or you can simply repurpose jars, old takeaway containers or even a plate over a bowl to store leftovers. Budget-friendly and ocean-friendly.

Buying in bulk isn’t just good for reducing plastic, it’s often cheaper too. Dry goods like pasta, rice, lentils and cereals are easy wins. Check if your local shop offers bring your own container options, or try online zero-waste shops with refillable delivery services.

Toothbrushes, cleaning brushes, and even dish sponges often contain plastic. 

Switch to bamboo toothbrushes, wooden dish brushes and natural loofahs instead. They last just as long—and won’t linger in landfill for centuries.

Synthetic clothing sheds microplastics with every wash.

Look for natural fibres like organic cotton, hemp or linen. Bonus points for buying second-hand, swapping with mates or using platforms like Vinted, Depop or Ebay.

Plastic is the byproduct of convenience culture: meal deals, takeaways, online shopping. 

But a bit of planning goes a long way: bring lunch from home, cook extra portions to freeze, and try to consolidate online orders. Less packaging, fewer emissions, more feel good.

Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection.  

It's our belief that we don’t need a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, we need millions doing it imperfectly to turn the tide on ocean health.