What if you took advantage of the month of July to gently review your relationship with plastic, without guilt, without changing everything, just at your own pace?
Every year, the Plastic Free July movement encourages millions of people to reduce their consumption of single-use plastic. The goal? To help you discover simple, sustainable actions that can make a real difference for the planet, while respecting your daily life, your budget, and your limits.
At Fornix, we deeply believe that small, conscious choices—like choosing a reusable menstrual cup , for example—can contribute to a kinder, healthier, and freer world. And since this movement aligns with our mission, we wanted to tell you about it.
In this article, you will discover why this challenge exists, how it fits into our approach, and above all, how to participate without falling into pressure or restriction.
Because yes, we can aim for less plastic, with more pleasure!
1. What is the “Plastic-Free July” movement?
Plastic Free July movement began in Australia in 2011. The initial idea was simple: to encourage people to reduce their use of single-use plastic for a month, to become aware of their environmental impact and discover sustainable alternatives.
Since then, millions of people around the world have participated in this challenge every year. But be warned: it's not about striving for perfection. What matters is doing your best, learning, exploring new habits, and doing it with kindness.
You can do it at your own pace: replace a bottle, say no to a bag, try a reusable alternative. It's these small, repeated actions that, collectively, create a positive impact.
2. Why Fornix supports this movement
At Fornix, we offer reusable menstrual cups (menstrual disc type) that allow you to experience your period with more comfort, but also with more awareness.
Disposable menstrual products (tampons, pads, applicators, etc.) are often individually wrapped in plastic. Over the course of a cycle, a year, or a lifetime, the environmental impact is enormous.
Our mission is to offer you an alternative that respects your body, your rhythm, and the planet.
Participating in Plastic-Free July is a great opportunity to reflect on these everyday choices without judgment. If you're considering reducing waste in your bathroom, a menstrual cup may be one of the simplest and most liberating options to explore.
3. How to participate in Plastic-Free July (without stressing out)
You don't need to become zero waste overnight. This challenge is a step-by-step process, depending on what's realistic for you. Here are some concrete and joyful ideas to get you started:
1. Replace a single habit
Choose a plastic item you often use and replace it with a reusable version.
→ For example: a water bottle instead of a water bottle, a cloth bag for your shopping, a reusable lunch box.
2. Use what you already have
No need to buy a whole host of eco-friendly products. Use the containers you already have, turn pots into jars, or reuse a paper bag multiple times.
3. Think before you buy
Ask yourself:
- Is it really necessary?
- Does this come in a plastic-free version?
- Can I find it in bulk, second hand or reusable?
4. Make it collective and fun
Turn the challenge into a game, a group discussion, or a family project. Share your discoveries with those around you. Change is more motivating when you experience it together.
5. Explore reusable menstrual products
If you're feeling inspired, why not try a menstrual cup this month?
Our disc-style menstrual cups are designed to be comfortable and easy to use, while helping you reduce waste. It's a gentle way to participate in the challenge while taking care of yourself.
4. Let go of the pressure to “do everything perfectly”
It's often said: you don't have to do everything perfectly for it to be worthwhile.
Just because you're still using plastic in some places doesn't mean your other actions don't matter. What matters most is the intention behind what you do, and consistency in the small choices you make.
You have the right to move forward at your own pace. To explore, to experiment, to change your mind, to start over.
You also have the right to love beauty, practicality, comfort, and to refuse to accept that ecology is synonymous with rigidity.
In short, you can take care of the planet by taking care of yourself!
Participating in Plastic-Free July is a great opportunity to explore sustainable alternatives without pressure or guilt. It's not about aiming for a perfect lifestyle, but about taking conscious, realistic, and joyful steps, one step at a time.
And if this challenge inspires you to try something new, like a Fornix menstrual disc, it might be the start of a gentle and lasting change, for you and the planet.
So, what are you trying this July? Share your small gesture with us or find out how our discs can support your transition to less plastic.