Plastic Free July: Make a Local Impact on the Global Movement

Jul 01, 2025

As part of the Choose To Reuse initiative announced in April, SWACO is encouraging Franklin County residents to go plastic free this July. In partnership with two local soap refilleries–Resen Refillery and Natural Market in Grove City and ReWash Refillery in Clintonville–SWACO is providing a discount to customers who come into the store and mention “Choose To Reuse” when checking out.

SWACO will offer 25% off in-store purchases, with a maximum discount of $25 for each customer during the month of July to promote the global movement, Plastic Free July. The offer is for in-store purchases only and can be unlocked by saying “Choose To Reuse” when checking out.

By shopping at a refillery, you’re helping reduce the 380 million pounds of plastics that end up in the Franklin County Landfill each year.  Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose and plastic that doesn’t make it to the landfill often becomes harmful roadside litter.

Some more easy plastic swaps for summer:

• Avoid using single-use plastic straws. Consider sustainable alternatives like stainless steel and bamboo, and even foldable reusable straws that you can easily keep in your purse or pocket.
• As you reach for refreshments this summer, choose environmentally friendly options, like reusable bottles made from stainless steel, glass, or aluminum.
• While grocery shopping, avoid plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables. Look for loose produce and use reusable produce bags to transport these items home.
• Use washable plates and cutlery instead of plastic at your summer cookouts.
• Carry summer snacks for the park or pool in glass or steel containers instead of one-time-use zip-top bags.

Click to learn more about Choose To Reuse and Plastic Free July, and make a commitment to making a positive impact on the environment this summer. Find more tips all year long at RecycleRight.org, including SWACO’s Recycle & Reuse Search Tool to help you recycle properly and reduce waste. Together we can reuse and save this July.

July Events to Keep You Busy While Doing Good For Our Environment

This month is full of exciting, informative, and fun events to keep you busy and sustainable.

• The W.I.L.D. Zero Waste Challenge at the Columbus Zoo is your chance to take simple steps that add up to a big impact.  From saying no to single-use plastics, to packing your own water bottle or switching to reusable bags, you can earn points and rewards by completing challenges. Explore this fun challenge here.
• Find a treasured new read and help prevent waste at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Summer Big Book Sale. Items withdrawn from the library’s collection will be given a second chance at a well-read life July 11th through the 13th at the main library on Grant Avenue. Check it out today!
• Protecting the Planet: Kids In Action. Children aged two-to-twelve are invited to join Columbus Recreation and Parks staff at Whetstone Park on July 12 at 11:30 a.m. to learn about being part of the solution, not the pollution. There will be fun discussions about ways the kids and their families can help care for the environment and an activity to pick up litter at the park. Learn more here.
• Safely dispose of unwanted tires or pick up free mosquito dunks at the Franklin County Public Health Tire Amnesty drop-off events on July 12th on Cleveland Avenue and July 26th on Lockbourne Road.