Take a look around. How many plastic items have you used today? Chances are, the answer is more than you realize. From your morning coffee to your evening leftovers, plastic quietly finds its way into nearly every part of our daily routines.

That's why Plastic Free July encourages you to slow down and take a closer look. A plastic audit isn't about counting every piece of plastic or eliminating it overnight. It's about becoming more aware of the products you use every day and finding simple opportunities to reduce waste.

Audit Checkpoint #1: Starting Your Day

Before leaving the house, check off what you've already used:

☐ Toothbrush or Dental Floss
☐ Shampoo or body wash bottle
☐ Coffee pod, disposable cup
☐ Disposable razor

Plastic Audit Tip: Try plastic-free dental floss, an eco-friendly toothbrush, or an eco-friendly razor. You can also try soap or shampoo bars, which use less plastic and are often gentler on your body and the environment.

Audit Checkpoint #2: At Work

Take a look around your workspace:

☐ Disposable water bottle
☐ Plastic coffee cup lid
☐ Snack wrapper
☐ Plastic utensils
☐ Disposable pen or highlighter

Plastic Audit Tip: Keep a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and utensils nearby for easy everyday swaps.

Audit Checkpoint #3: On the Go

How many of these crossed your path today?

☐ Plastic shopping bag
☐ Straw or drink lid
☐ Plastic produce bag
☐ Individually wrapped snack

Plastic Audit Tip: Keep reusable bags in your car so they're always handy for grocery trips, and decline disposable items you don't need.

Audit Checkpoint #4: Home Essentials

Check your kitchen and bathroom:

☐ Plastic wrap or storage bag
☐ Plastic food container
☐ Cleaning product bottle
☐ Soap or lotion bottle

Plastic Audit Tip: Choose refillable products or reusable storage when replacing household items.

Your Plastic Audit Results

Did you check off more items than expected? You're not alone. The goal isn't perfection. Instead, choose one or two items from your audit that could be replaced with a reusable alternative.

Plastic Free July Challenge

Before tomorrow, ask yourself:

•  Which plastic item did I use most today?
•  Is there a reusable alternative?
•  What's one simple swap I can make this month?

Every small change adds up. This Plastic Free July, start with one new habit and see where it leads.