Plastic Free July: Easy swaps to reduce plastic waste at home

Every July, millions of people around the world take part in Plastic Free July™, a global movement encouraging us all to cut back on plastic waste for a month. If that sounds hardcore, don't worry - it doesn't mean you have to completely overhaul your lifestyle to make a difference. Swapping just one or two everyday items can have a lasting impact on the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill, rivers, oceans, and human body. Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking for a few new ideas, here's everything you need to know about Plastic Free July™ and how to get involved. What is Plastic Free July™? Plastic Free July™ is a global movement that helps millions of people reduce plastic waste through simple, everyday choices. It began in 2011 with just 40 people in Western Australia who wanted to challenge themselves to refuse single-use plastics for one month. Today, it has grown into the world's largest waste reduction campaign, with more than 174 million participants across 190 countries. The aim isn't perfection. It's about becoming more aware of the plastic we use every day and discovering that many of those items have better, longer-lasting alternatives. Every reusable bottle, refill, or compostable sponge helps reduce the demand for disposable plastic and brings us one step closer to cleaner streets, healthier oceans and less pollution in our homes and bodies. How can you take part? One of the best things about Plastic Free July™ is that anyone can take part, regardless of their lifestyle. Rather than trying to change everything overnight, focus on one swap each week. It's scientifically proven that small, realistic habits are far more likely to stick than an all-or-nothing approach. Here are a few easy ideas: Swap cling film for reusable silicone food covers or beeswax wraps. Choose glass food storage instead of plastic containers where possible. Carry a reusable coffee cup or water bottle. Bring your own shopping bags instead of using plastic carrier bags. Buy loose fruit and vegetables when you can. Choose refillable household products. Switch to plastic-free cleaning essentials made from natural materials. By the end of the month, you'll have made several simple changes that could last for years! Does Plastic Free July™ really make a difference? Absolutely. What started with just 40 participants has become one of the biggest environmental movements in the world. Since 2011: More than 174 million people have taken part. The campaign has reached 190 countries. Participants have helped avoid an estimated 15 million tonnes of plastic waste. 86% of people say the changes they made during Plastic Free July™ became permanent habits. That's the real power of the movement. It's not just about one month of action - it's about creating everyday habits that reduce plastic waste long after July has finished. Easy plastic-free swaps for your cleaning routine The cleaning cupboard is one of the easiest places to reduce plastic. Many conventional sponges, scourers and cloths are made from plastic and shed microplastics every time they're used. Those fibres are washed down the sink and can eventually find their way into our rivers, oceans, and even our bodies. Switching to plastic-free cleaning products is one of the simplest changes you can make. At Seep, we've designed everyday cleaning essentials using natural, renewable materials that work brilliantly without relying on plastic. From compostable sponge scourers to plastic-free cloths, these alternatives are just as effective and easy to use as the traditional products you're replacing.   Every small swap adds up Plastic Free July™ isn't about being perfect. It's about progress. One reusable bottle won't solve plastic pollution. One compostable sponge won't clean up the oceans. But when millions of people each make one small change, those choices quickly add up. So this July, choose one thing to swap. Next week, swap another. Before long, you'll have built a home that's a little lighter on plastic, and taken a step towards a cleaner future.   Looking for an easy place to start? Explore Seep's range of plastic-free cleaning essentials and discover how everyday swaps can make a lasting effect on your home and the planet.

Meet the new Seep. Brighter, bolder and designed to make everyday cleaning feel a little better. The same plastic-free products you know and love, but now with a fresh new look that's made to bring a little joy to your sink, kitchen and cleaning routine. Why we’ve changed Our motto 'Feel Good Cleaning' has always been at the heart of everything we do since day 1. We’ve always been determined to shake up the dusty cleaning category, and freshen it up with feel-good alternatives. Not just cleaning essentials that feel good for the planet, but cleaning essentials that feel good to use and look at, and that are better for you, your home, and your health too. We get it - cleaning isn’t for everyone. But we think it can be more fun and exciting, and that’s why we’re shouting louder about it. We strongly believe cleaning can feel good. Cleaning should feel good. What’s changed Our Packaging To embody our new brand spirit, we freshened up our packs with lighter tones and more playful messaging. Our current packaging is navy, functionality-focused, and all about the planet. Our new packaging is bright turquoise with hints of yellow and navy, emotive-focused, and focused on being microplastic-free. (Do note you may not see our new packs for a while, as things take a while to roll out… so don’t worry if you receive our current packaging right now!) Our Look & Feel  We’ve levelled up our look and feel across our website, social media channels, and email platforms. You'll start to see new bold colours (think bright pinks, pops of yellow and more), slightly new fonts, and bold imagery that instantly makes you feel good about cleaning. We hope you love it as much as we do! Our Mission Our original mission was to ‘eliminate 1 billion plastic cleaning tools from landfill by 2030’, but things have changed. Currently, only 5% of waste goes to landfill. So, we've decided to shift focus and look at the deeper, long-term impact that goes beyond the environment. We're now focusing on something that can impact individuals in their homes - microplastics. Therefore, our new mission is to ‘wipe away microplastics from cleaning essentials in 10 million homes by 2035’. We want to prevent the problem (microplastics), not just be there when it has already happened. Fancy giving our feel-good cleaning essentials a try? Try our Starter Kit or our best-selling Sponge Scourers.

The UK has seen quite a few hot days this year, and even more heatwaves are expected, especially now that summer has officially started. While we love a bit of sunshine, most British homes aren't built for it. High temperatures can quickly make your house feel stuffy, uncomfortable and difficult to sleep in. The good news? You don't need expensive air conditioning to solve this little big dilemma. Here's a few tips to keep your home cooler during a heatwave. 3 steps to a cooler and calmer home 1. Prevent heat from getting in The easiest way to cool your home is to stop it heating up in the first place. Close blinds or curtains on windows that get direct sunlight, especially south-facing rooms. Turn off appliances you're not using, like ovens, tumble dryers and even electronics. On the hottest part of the day, keep windows closed if the air outside is warmer than indoors. Opening them too early can actually let more heat inside. A little planning during the morning can help keep your home noticeably cooler by the afternoon. 2. Maximise airflow and ventilation Fresh air is your best friend, but timing matters. Open windows early in the morning or later in the evening when the outside air is cooler. Create a cross-breeze by opening windows on opposite sides of your home. This helps flush out warm air and pull cooler air through the house. If you have internal doors, leave them open to help air circulate more freely. A natural draught can make your home feel much fresher without using any extra energy. 3. Cool your body Sometimes it's easier to cool yourself than the room around you. Place a cold, damp flannel or cooling compress on your wrists, neck or forehead. Pop your pillowcase in a sealed bag and place it in the freezer for around 30 minutes before bed. Spend time on the ground floor, as heat naturally rises and upstairs rooms are often much warmer. Pro tip: if you have a Seep sponge, you can freeze it and then use it as an ice pack to cool your body! Stay comfortable during the heatwave Heatwaves don't have to mean sleepless nights and overheated homes. By blocking heat during the day, making the most of cooler air when it's available, and finding simple ways to cool your body, you can stay much more comfortable throughout the hottest weather. Looking after your home doesn't have to come at the planet's expense either. Small changes like closing blinds, using natural ventilation and reducing unnecessary appliance use are all simple ways to stay cool while using less energy. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sunshine where you can ☀️