Plastic Free July is more than a trend. It is a global movement that empowers millions of people to reduce plastic waste and build more sustainable habits. Whether you’re an eco-warrior or just starting your journey toward sustainability, Matter makes it easier to participate with plant-based single-use products that serve as eco-friendly plastic alternatives without sacrificing convenience or aesthetics.
Important note: While we don’t claim to be 100% plastic-free, our products are made from certified compostable plastics derived from renewable resources. They’re designed to break down into natural elements like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass under proper composting conditions, offering a more sustainable option than conventional plastics.
Why Plastic Free July Matters
Plastic Free July was started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation to encourage people and businesses to reduce their use of single-use plastics. What began as a small campaign has grown into a global movement that now reaches more than 100 million participants across over 190 countries.
So why take part? Plastic pollution remains one of the most urgent environmental challenges we face. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, more than 430 million tons of plastic are produced each year, and about two-thirds of that is made for single use. Only 9 percent is ever recycled. The rest often ends up in landfills, polluting ecosystems, or breaking apart into microplastics that persist in the environment.
Why Compostable Products Are Better for the Planet
Many so-called “green” products still rely on petroleum or only break down under industrial conditions. But Matter’s products are engineered to complete the full regenerative cycle, returning to the earth as nutrient-rich soil when disposed of properly.
We use biopolymers like PLA (polylactic acid), which are derived from plants such as sugarcane and corn. These materials do not produce harmful microplastics and can help reduce landfill waste and fossil fuel reliance as long as they’re composted in the right environment.
Compostable Alternatives to Plastic That Actually Work
At Matter, we believe plastic pollution solutions start with rethinking the products we use every day. That’s why we created a full line of compostable alternatives to plastic that are designed to fully break down when properly composted.
Our plant-based single-use products are:
✅ Certified compostable (BPI-certified to meet North America’s highest standards)
🌱 Made from renewable materials like cornstarch and sugarcane
♻️ Breakdown in both home and commercial composting systems
🚫 Free of petroleum, microplastics, and harmful toxins
By contrast, traditional plastics are made from fossil fuels, take hundreds of years to degrade, and leave behind microplastics that harm wildlife and infiltrate the food chain. Compostable plastics, when composted correctly, return safely to the earth.
Explore Our Best Compostable Products for Plastic Free July
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Certified Compostable Trash Bags: Durable, leak-proof, and available in a variety of sizes for kitchen, bathroom, and even diaper duty.
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Compostable Single-Use Plates, Bowls & Utensils: Ideal for picnics, outdoor dining, office parties, or everyday meals. Sturdy enough for hot or cold foods and 100% compostable after use.
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Compostable Storage Bags: Great for snacks, sandwiches, freezer items, and leftovers. Strong, sealable, and guilt-free.
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Compostable Party Cups and Straws: Designed for backyard BBQs, beach trips, and birthday parties.
Ready to make the switch? Explore the full Matter collection here.
Plastic Free July Tips to Maximize Your Impact
In an interview with NPR, Plastic Free July founder Rebecca Prince-Ruiz advises:
“Use what you have, do what you can, don’t focus on what you can’t.”
She explains that trying to do too much too fast can lead to burnout. A better strategy? Look in your trash can, refrigerator, and pantry to see what you’re using most, and look for sustainable alternatives from there.
Here are more practical Plastic Free July tips:
📝 Audit your plastic use
Identify which single-use plastics you use the most, especially in your kitchen or bathroom.
🌱 Start small
Switch out the easy stuff first, like certified compostable trash bags or compostable storage bags.
🛍️ Buy from responsible brands
Support businesses like Matter that prioritize eco-friendly plastic alternatives and circular design.
📱 Get involved on social
Share your swaps with #PlasticFreeJuly and tag @mattercompostable to inspire others.
Join the Movement One Bag, One Cup, One Change at a Time
This July, don’t just talk about sustainability, live it. Whether you’re an expert at sustainable summer swaps or just starting to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint, Matter is here to help. Inspire your circle, you’d be surprised how many friends or coworkers are also looking for simple plastic pollution solutions.
Every cup. Every bag. Every choice Matters.