Plastic-Free July is here again—and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably noticing how plastic seems to be… everywhere. From skincare bottles lining the store shelves to microplastics floating in the ocean and even showing up in our food, it’s impossible to ignore just how deeply plastic has infiltrated our lives.
It's around every corner, and we're right there with you - in today's world, it feels completely unavoidable.
At JunkTheory, we’ve been committed to plastic-free packaging since day one. Our skincare is designed not only to be good for your skin, but also for the planet—because we believe what we put on our bodies matters just as much as what we leave behind. But we also know how hard it is to make the shift, especially when the system is stacked against you.
That’s why this Plastic-Free July, we’re raising our voices louder. Together with three incredible, like-minded indie brands—Meliora, Huppy, and Plaine Products—we’re challenging the status quo with SWAP WEEK: A Plastic-Free Home Reset for YOU!
Why Plastic Pollution Hits Closer Than You Think
We used to think of plastic as something “out there”—clogging beaches or swirling in the middle of the ocean. But the reality is: plastic is now everywhere. And we mean everywhere.
Scientists have found microplastics in some of the most remote places on earth—at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, on the peaks of the Pyrenees. But they’ve also found them in places much closer to home: in the air we breathe, the water we drink, even in human bloodstreams, lungs, and placentas.
Yes—plastic is in us, and it isn’t cool.
These tiny particles come from the breakdown of single-use packaging, synthetic fabrics, car tires, and countless other everyday items. And because they’re so small and so persistent, they travel through our food chains and ecosystems—accumulating over time, and carrying toxic chemicals with them. Researchers are still uncovering what this means for human health, but early studies link microplastics to hormone disruption, inflammation, and increased risks of certain diseases.
Then there’s the connection to climate change—a fact that often gets overlooked. The majority of plastic comes from fossil fuels. In fact, some studies suggest plastic production is on track to account for more emissions than aviation and shipping combined if nothing changes.
So while it’s easy to think of plastic as yesterday’s environmental battle, the truth is it’s a fight we’re still very much in—and the stakes are getting more personal by the day - especially when big brands (cough cough, Unilever and Coca Cola) continue to walk back their plastic reduction and recycling pledges.
Small Swaps, Big Impact
Here’s the hopeful part: every choice matters. Every swap you make sends a signal to the people making decisions at the top of the supply chain. Every aluminum bottle, every refill, every tablet instead of a tube is a small rebellion against the narrative that “plastic is the only way.”
That’s why the four of us—JunkTheory, Meliora, Huppy, and Plaine Products —are proud to be reminders of what’s possible. We’re proving that you can make products that are effective and beautiful without relying on single-use plastics and harmful chemicals.
We know it’s an uphill battle. The big fish in our industries have deep pockets, big marketing machines, and little incentive to change. But we believe in the power of people. We believe that when customers see they do have alternatives, and when those alternatives feel accessible and exciting, change can happen.
It’s not just a trend. It’s not just fashionable. It’s the right thing to do—and it’s possible.
Join SWAP WEEK
That’s why, from July 14 to July 18, we’re hosting SWAP WEEK: A Plastic-Free Home Reset to make more folks aware that better products are available and change is possible!
Together, all month long, we’re also offering 20% off across all brands (use code SWAPWEEK) to help you take your next step toward a less-plastic life. Whether you’re swapping out your skincare, your toothpaste, your haircare, or your everyday essentials, we’ve got you covered:
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JunkTheory – skincare
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Huppy – toothpaste & oral care
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Plaine Products – hair & body care
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Meliora – laundry and cleaning
Because sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.
No matter where you are in your journey—whether you’ve been refilling and reusing for years or you’re just starting to think about your first swap—you’re welcome here. Plastic is everywhere, and it’s not your fault. But you can make a difference, one small step at a time.
This Plastic-Free July, let’s show the big players that the demand for better, cleaner, more responsible products is real—and growing.
Together, we can prove that a plastic-free future isn’t just a dream. It’s already happening.
Happy Plastic-Free July,
Allie and Justin
Founders, JunkTheory
