How to Celebrate Plastic-Free July Without the Pressure

Pretty with Purpose. Always.

July is here, and with it comes a global invitation to reimagine our relationship with plastic. But before you go clearing out your bathroom cabinet or panic-ordering “zero waste” swaps, take a breath. At Elate, we believe in celebrating progress over perfection—because real change happens one small, intentional step at a time.

Welcome to Plastic-Free(ish) July—our way of approaching sustainability with grace, joy, and purpose.

💛 What Is Plastic-Free July?

Plastic-Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals and businesses to reduce their single-use plastic consumption throughout the month (and hopefully beyond!). For us at Elate Beauty, it’s a time to reflect, refine, and celebrate the steps we’re already taking—without shame or overwhelm.

🌿 5 Plastic-Free(ish) Beauty Tips That Feel Good (and Actually Work)

Whether you’re new to low-waste living or already a refill queen, here are five feel-good swaps and mindset shifts to carry with you this month:

1. Use What You Have First

Sustainability doesn’t mean replacing everything overnight. It starts with appreciating and using what you already own.

2. Refill, Don’t Rebuy

Our refillable palettes and multi-use products are designed to reduce waste without sacrificing performance or style. Every refill is one less item in the landfill.

3. Buy Less, Love More

A capsule beauty routine with fewer, better products = less waste, less overwhelm, and more intention in your rituals.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

Brought your own bag? Finished your balm and ordered a refill? That’s worth a gold star in our books.

5. Ditch the Guilt

This is not all-or-nothing. You’re doing great, even if your toothpaste isn’t in a glass jar.

💫 Our Favourite Plastic-Free (or Low-Waste) Brands

We’re not the only ones working toward a lower-waste future. Here are a few brands we genuinely love and support:

• Routine. – Natural deodorant in refillable glass jars that actually works (and smells divine).

• DIP or Notice Hair – Solid shampoo and conditioner bars with compostable packaging. No plastic bottles, no compromise.

• Nature Bee – Refillable cleaning supplies that turn one bottle into a lifetime of use.

• Nelson Naturals – Toothpaste in glass jars and refill containers. Canadian, clean, and conscious.

• Goldilocks Goods - beeswax wraps and plastic free household goods

These brands align with our values and make going plastic-free(ish) just a little more joyful.

💌 Join Us This Month (and Beyond)

Throughout July, we’ll be sharing community stories, sustainable beauty tips, and refill rituals on Instagram and in your inbox. Want to be featured? Tag us @elatecosmetics and show us your refills, swaps, and small wins with #PrettyWithPurpose.

🛍️ Ready to Start? Try This:

• Build your custom refillable palette 

• Explore our refillable lipsticks, concealers, and powders 

• Take our quiz: Capsule Beauty Quiz

🌎 Pretty with Purpose, One Refill at a Time

Plastic-Free July isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, doing what you can, and knowing that your choices matter. When you choose beauty that reflects your values, you create ripple effects that go far beyond your makeup bag.

Thanks for being on this journey with us. 💛

XO

Melodie