There’s something powerful about a dare. It’s playful, bold, and just a little bit rebellious. That’s why, this July, we dared you to ditch plastic, not perfectly, not overnight, but in meaningful, lasting ways. And you delivered.
As we close out our month-long “We Dare You to Ditch Plastic” campaign, we’re reflecting on what we learned, what inspired us, and why this movement is just beginning. Because while the campaign may be wrapping up, the mission continues.
Why Ditch Plastic?
Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the world produces around 430 million tons of plastic every year, and two-thirds of that is for single-use purposes. These plastics don’t biodegrade. Instead, they break down into microplastics that end up in our oceans, our soil, and even our bodies.
Plastic production is also deeply tied to fossil fuels. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) reports that by 2030, plastic-related greenhouse gas emissions could reach 1.34 gigatons per year or the equivalent of more than 295 new 500-megawatt coal-fired power plants.
In short: ditching plastic, even partially, is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to reduce our carbon footprint, cut pollution, and support a healthier planet.
The Power of Small Swaps
Throughout the month, we shared easy, practical swaps to reduce plastic in daily life starting with the items we use most often and throw away the fastest. Our swaps focused on high-impact areas like the kitchen, bathroom, cleaning cabinet, and grocery store.
Here are some of the swaps that got the most love from our community:
- Soap bars instead of bottled body wash or dish soap. One bar can replace two to three bottles and often comes in compostable packaging.
- Mesh produce bags instead of thin plastic ones at the grocery store. They’re washable, reusable, and made to last.
- Bamboo brushes and natural sponges instead of plastic cleaning tools. They work just as well, and when you're done, they go to the compost bin, not the landfill.
Every swap matters. Not just because of the plastic you keep out of the landfill, but because each change rewires habits. When we stop to think about what we use and how it’s packaged, we build awareness. And awareness is the first step toward systemic change.
What You Told Us
The best part of this campaign? Hearing from you.
One customer said our mesh produce bags “were the perfect size for grocery shopping,” and a great replacement for plastic bags. Another shared how Swedish dishcloths “were great for absorbing water and cleaning up,” a reusable alternative to paper towels, which often come wrapped in plastic and cost trees to produce.
These messages reminded us that sustainability doesn’t have to feel heavy. It can feel light. Joyful. Creative. It can even spark pride like watching your kids bring home lunch wrapped in beeswax wraps instead of plastic, or gifting a plastic-free starter kit to help a friend experience a low-waste lifestyle.
We also heard about challenges. One person mentioned: “I agree with not using plastic, and yet when the budget is tight, you do the best you can.” And that’s okay. Sustainability isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about doing something. Small steps = big impact.
Fun (and Surprising) Facts About Plastic
- Plastic never truly disappears. Instead, it breaks into smaller and smaller pieces. Microplastics have been found in Arctic snow, deep ocean trenches, and even human blood.
- Recycling isn’t enough. Only about 9% of plastic is recycled globally, according to the OECD. That’s why reuse and reduction are more powerful than relying on recycling alone.
- Plastic-free products can save money over time. Reusable beeswax wraps can last up to a year. Dryer balls replace hundreds of disposable sheets. And solid bars last longer than bottled products when stored and used properly.
So, What’s Next?
Our “We Dare You to Ditch Plastic” campaign might be over, but this is just the beginning of a new cycle.
Our job now is to keep the momentum going at home, online, and in our communities. That means staying curious, staying vocal, and continuing to choose better when we can.
Here are a few easy things you can do right now:
- Stick with your favorite swaps. If you found a bar soap you love or ditched paper towels for reusable cloths, keep going.
- Share what you’ve learned. Tell a friend, post a tip, leave a product review. You never know who you might inspire.
- Ask questions. Whether you’re shopping, browsing online, or at work, ask if there are low-waste options. Demand drives change.
- Tackle one room at a time. Already working on your kitchen? Try your bathroom next. Or your laundry routine.
- Support brands doing it right. Choose businesses that prioritize compostable packaging, low-waste shipping, and sustainable ingredients.
Our Ongoing Commitment
At Ciclado, our goal has always been to make sustainable living easier and a little more joyful. We work hard to vet products for their quality, effectiveness, and environmental impact. And we partner with brands that are transparent and committed to reducing harm at every stage of their process.
We also plant a tree for every order and ship plastic-free. But our biggest hope is to be part of your cycle of change. Whether you’re just starting your low-waste journey or you’ve been reusing the same glass jars for years, we want to walk with you.
Thank You
Thank you for showing up this month and for listening, learning, sharing, and daring. It matters more than you know.
Plastic pollution won’t disappear tomorrow. But the more we swap, the more we share, and the more we support businesses and systems that prioritize reuse over waste, the closer we get to a cleaner, healthier future.
Keep swapping. Keep daring. Keep going.
We’re in this together.