Is it a new trend or are people actually doing this for the greater good? Plastic Free July is ending and hopefully, you learned a lot. Either way, being sustainable is happening and it's getting bigger every day. The environment is a large priority and people are acknowledging we need a change.

Being sustainable with the environment means to limit your intake of waste of substances that harm the earth. People are finally waking up and realizing that our earth is over polluted and actions need to be taken. Starbucks just announced they're getting rid of plastic straws by 2020, McDonald's are switching from foam cups to recycled plastic by 2019, bills are being created to ban plastic straws in entire cities, and more ethical brands keep popping up every day that don't destroy the earth.

There are lots of ways that you can partake in helping the environment. Here are 5 easy ways to be sustainable:

1. Using reusable water bottles.

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Switch to a reusable water bottle! Fill up your water at home and save money on useless plastic water bottles. Most water fountains now have a part of the back where it pours directly down into your bottle and then informs you how many water bottles were saved using that particular fountain. You can purchase from a variety of companies in creative styles like Hydro flask, Swell, YETI, and more.

2. Ditching the coffee cup

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Are you a coffee addict? Well, why waste a coffee cup or plastic cup and straw every day and instead invest in a cup or bring a mug! Starbucks sells affordable cups in their stores or go to Target or Walmart for one. Bonus perk; you get a discount on your daily coffee at Starbucks! It's silly not to bring your own cup!

3. Grocery bags, the new it bag

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@barf.ph

You can purchase super adorable grocery bags at the checkout of most grocery stores and then keep them in your vehicle! If you don't want to purchase the bags, you can ask for paper bags instead of plastic. If you get it wrapped in paper then you can recycle it. Also, like your daily coffee, most grocery stores also give a discount for each bag you use like Target and Lucky's Market. Another thing, purchase produce bags! Those plastic tear off bags located next to the fruit and veggies isn't necessary. Fun perk as well, the string produce bags are now a trend to wear as a purse, so save the planet while being an icon.

4. Recycling your packaging

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In this society, it's hard not to buy anything online. When you receive your product, the product is wrapped in layers of packaging. Recycle your packaging in your own bin or now companies like Amazon and USPS have recycling in their stores.

5. Stopping the single-use straws use

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@5MinuteBeachCleanUp

The biggest waste of all is plastic straws. Something so small is causing the biggest impact. Instead of using plastic straws from that coffee shop or restaurant, bring your own reusable straw! They come in aluminum, glass, or plastic. Designs come in curved, straight, on a keychain, or with chewable ends! These are cheap and available at most retail establishments like Target, Walmart, and more. Make a big change with a small object.

These are all very easy ways to be sustainable. The planet is in desperate need of our help and every effort counts right now. Plastic Free July is just one month out of the year. Put in an effort every month and day to limit your intake of plastic and other waste.