Did you know? July is observed by many as Plastic Free July, a time to rethink our reliance on single-use plastics and discover simple, everyday choices that can help reduce plastic waste and protect the places we love, including the Great Lakes. 

Summer is when many of us spend more time outdoors enjoying sunny days at the beach, hosting backyard barbecues, pool days, exploring trails, and gathering with friends and family. While these fun moments create lasting memories, they can also create more waste if we aren’t mindful of the products we use and the choices we make.

The good news? Living more sustainably doesn’t mean giving up the things you love about summer. It’s about finding small swaps that are easy, practical, and fun.

The Great Lakes, Leaving Them Better Than You Found Them

The Great Lakes are one of the world’s most important freshwater ecosystems, supporting communities, wildlife, and millions of people across Canada and the United States. Keeping these waters clean starts with all of us.

One simple way to make a difference this Plastic Free July is to participate or start your own beach or shoreline cleanup. Whether you spend five minutes picking up litter during your morning walk or organize a cleanup with friends and family, every piece of plastic and litter removed from the shoreline helps prevent it from entering our waterways.

Next time you visit your favourite Great Lakes beach, bring a reusable bag and spend a few extra minutes collecting litter. You might be surprised by what you find, from food wrappers and plastic bottles to forgotten beach toys and packaging. Small actions add up, and together we can help protect the Great Lakes for generations to come.

Make Your Summer Routines Free of Single Use Plastic

Going plastic free doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the easiest changes can become your favorite summer habits.

Here are a few simple swaps to try this month:

☕ Swap your takeout iced coffee for a homemade version.
Instead of grabbing a single-use plastic cup on your way to the beach or park, make your favourite iced coffee at home and enjoy it in a reusable glass cup or tumbler. Add your favourite flavours, bring it along for your adventure, and skip the extra waste.

🍽️ Pack a more Plastic Conscience Picnic.
Planning a beach day or picnic? Choose reusable containers, cloth napkins, and wooden or bamboo utensils instead of single-use forks, knives, and spoons.

🥤 Choose reusable over disposable.
Keep a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag with you so you’re always prepared. These small items can make a big difference over time.

🍉 Bring your own snacks.
Instead of individually wrapped snacks, pack fresh fruit, homemade treats, or snacks in reusable containers. Your future self (and the planet) will thank you.

🧴 Rethink everyday essentials.
Look for products that avoid single-use packaging  like bar soaps, shampoo bars, refillable products, or items made from natural materials. Even replacing one product at a time can help reduce plastic waste.

Share Your Summer with CGLR! 🌊

We want to see how you’re celebrating a single-use plastic free summer! Have photos of you, your family, or friends enjoying the Great Lakes while making sustainable choices?

Share your moments with us and inspire others to take part.

Whether you’re picking up litter along the shoreline, enjoying a sustainable picnic, bringing your reusable bottle on an adventure, or finding creative ways to reduce single use plastics, your choices can help show that protecting the Great Lakes can be part of everyday summer fun.

Send your photos, social media handles, and a brief description of your experience to contact@councilgreatlakesregion.org. Your story could help inspire others to make small changes that add up to a big impact. 💙