Happy Plastic Free July season! This time of year is such a celebratory time for us, as it lets our community see and experience how easy and efficient low-waste living can be. If you haven't already made a pledge this PFJ season, visit the Plastic Free July page and see the different challenge options you can register for. It's never too late to commit to making a change that benefits the planet.
Want some inspiration to get you started? We've compiled a list of our favourite circular initiatives for this month. Who knows - they might even last longer than the 31 days of July and become part of your everyday routine!
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Choose Once, Reuse Forever
If you are looking to jazz up your reuse goods this Plastic Free July look no further than our very own website! You may know Green Collect as being the home for secondhand office furniture, office stationery and office electronics but did you know we also have an ethical goods range in-store and on our website?We have a great range of items in our Home & Lifestyle section that also share our beliefs in social and sustainable impact, spotlighting brands that are also social enterprises, women-led and work-inclusive.
Want to upgrade your lunch bag for one made from 100% recycled materials? Fluf lunch bags are a favourite in our Yarraville store! Looking to make some swaps to your self-care? Dindi Naturals are locally owned and have soap bars and aromatic wax hearts that will leave you feeling pampered and empowered. And of course if you haven't already, swapping plastic bottles for a reusable water bottle is such an easy option that will benefit you all year round.
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Secondhand Furniture from Materials That Will Last
The "fast furniture" has a plastic problem just as much as the fast fashion industry does and not enough people are talking about it! It's the whole ethos of why we salvage and rescue office furniture from businesses that are renovating, moving or facing closure. We believe every piece of furniture should have a second chance, which is why we scored a 91% rescue recovery rate (reuse and recycling) for goods collected last year.But, how do you ensure the furniture you are investing money into will be long-lasting? Look for durable and natural materials. Right now we have vintage wooden desks, timber workstations, and even recycled timber coffee tables to make your space stylish and sustainable. Need chairs? We have timber bar stools or black bistro chairs that can suit any occasion, and just so happen to be made from natural resources.
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Upcycling, Crafting and Everything In Between
It goes without saying that the greatest gift to the planet is choosing to reuse before anything else. According to Charitable Reuse Australia, Australians saved a massive $2 billion through reuse in 2025, with 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions saved. Opting out of overconsumption means there is less need for production of goods, saving more energy for the planet and the people in it.Reuse does not have to mean boring! In fact, some of the most innovative and creative people in your life probably employ reuse initiatives everyday that you haven't even considered. The scrapbooker in your life? Reclaiming magazines and salvaged materials. The upholstery DIY-er? Saving good textiles from landfill. Sewing, repairing, mending and even remanufacturing are all forms of upcycling. We even upcycle discarded letterhead and binder folders to create our unique one-of-a-kind notebooks.
Want to get involved in crafting with us? There are still some spots left at the Hobson's Bay City Council Upcycled Notebook workshop on the 21st of July! RSVP for free and we'll see you there.
