Zero-Waste Instagram Accounts to Follow This Plastic Free July

If you’ve been thinking about going zero waste or lowering your plastic consumption, summer is a great time to start, as it marks the annual month-long holiday called Plastic Free July. Started by the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011, Plastic Free July is an annual global initiative that encourages people to refuse single-use plastics as much as possible, all July long — and beyond.

Of course, there’s no pressure to completely avoid single-use plastic for the entire month. Instead, make doing so your goal, while understanding that things are not always in our control. Just aim to reduce your disposable plastic use as much as possible by staying prepared with reusables, buying package-free food, and making fun and money-saving zero-waste swaps.

Plastic Free July 2023 begins on Saturday, July 1, and runs through the end of the month (naturally). There are so many ways to reduce your single-use plastic output — and one of our favorite tips is to fill your social media feeds with zero-waste accounts and influencers who will provide you with constant inspiration. Here are seven accounts we recommend following this Plastic Free July.

Of course, you’ll want to follow the official Plastic Free July accounts on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook. Every day, the organization will be sharing easy swaps, tips, book recommendations, livestreams, and more, to help guide you through reducing your plastic use in various areas of your life. You can also sign up for the official Plastic Free July challenge on the official website, and the Plastic Free Foundation will send you email newsletters with more guidance.

Rocket scientist Dr. Anita Vandyke, MD is the author of two books about transitioning to a zero-waste lifestyle in 30 days: A Zero Waste Family and A Zero Waste Life. She uses her Instagram page, @rocket_science, to document her zero-waste lifestyle habits and swaps, all from the perspective of an engineer and doctor.

Between food packaging, food scraps like peels and pits, and spoiled food, the kitchen is one of the most wasteful rooms in most homes. We are big fans of Anne-Marie Bonneau, known as the @zerowastechef, whose Instagram and blog are filled with creative tips and recipes for reducing waste while cooking and eating. The chef is also the author of a cookbook: The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet.

Addie Fisher, aka @oldworldnew, is all about sharing sustainable living tips — while reminding her followers that living sustainably is not about perfection. Fisher likes to share “Quick Facts” about waste, consumption, and more, which are definitely helpful in giving followers that final push to commit to reducing their plastic use, as well as her thoughts on issues like eco-anxiety, racial justice, and raising eco-conscious children.

Jonathan Levy, known as @jonathan.inspires (formerly @zerowasteguy), works for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works’ Smart Business Recycling Program, and has overseen the transition of over 2,000 businesses into Los Angeles’ recycLA program since 2017. Levy also uses Instagram to share tricks for living with less waste, as well as personal, realistic stories about trying to live sustainably.

Kathryn Kellogg’s account @going.zero.waste is one of our favorite zero-waste Instagram pages. It’s filled with tips for practically reducing your waste, DIY recipes, funny videos about sustainability, and more. Kellogg also has a book called 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste, which we highly recommend to anyone getting started on their zero-waste journey.

Manuela Barón, known as @thegirlgonegreen, shares with her Instagram followers tips for reducing waste, educational videos on issues from planned obsolescence to regenerative agriculture, and personal stories about her sustainability journey. She also has a popular YouTube channel.

This article, originally published on June 28, 2021, has been updated.