8 simple swaps for Plastic Free July

More Aucklanders are cutting back on plastic this July. Here's how you can too.

Plastic is in almost every part of our daily routines, from the morning takeaway coffee cup to the cling film over last night’s leftovers. But a few simple swaps can make a real difference.

Plastic Free July is a chance to make one simple swap that helps keep plastic out of our streets, beaches and moana. It also supports Auckland's goal of becoming zero waste by 2040.

The good news? You don't have to do everything at once. Start with one simple swap this month.

1.  Refill drinking water

Skip the bottled water and bring a reusable bottle instead. There are hundreds of places across Tāmaki Makaurau where you can refill for free, including public drinking fountains, libraries, pools and participating cafés. Find your nearest refill station on the Refill NZ map

Looking for inspiration? Auckland Council's GridAKL innovation hub has supported Auckland startup Anew, which is rethinking bottled water with reusable bottles designed to be refilled instead of thrown away.

2. Upgrade your lunch wraps

Swap cling film for containers, cloth sandwich bags, or beeswax wraps when packing lunches or storing leftovers. You can even make your own beeswax wraps.

3.  Bring your own coffee cup

Most takeaway coffee cups can't be recycled because they're lined with plastic. Keep a reusable cup in your bag so it's always there when you need it.

Auckland Council made the switch in 2025 by removing single use cups from all council cafés. More than 3,500 disposable cups every week have been replaced with reusable cups, showing how small changes can make a big difference.

4.  Stash reusable shopping bags

The trick is to keep them where you'll need them most. Leave a few in your car, bike basket or backpack so they're always ready for your next shopping trip.

5.  Shop smarter

When you're grocery shopping, choose products with less packaging or plastic free alternatives where you can. Explore more ways to shop smarter.

6.  Learn something new

Plastic Free July is a great time to pick up a new skill. From waste free living workshops to repair cafés and community events, there are plenty of ways to learn simple tips that can help you reduce waste every day. Explore what’s on.

7.  Bring your own container

BYO isn't just for restaurants. Bring a clean container to your local takeaway and ask if they'll use it. You might be surprised how many say yes.

8.  Give recycling a quick refresh

Sometimes plastic is unavoidable. When that happens, make sure it ends up in the right place. Recycling rules have changed in recent years, so it's worth checking what can go in your kerbside recycling. Use Auckland Council's guide to find the right home for your items.

Ready to make a difference this month? Take the Plastic Free July challenge.