Plastic-Free July and Sustainable Teacher Gift Ideas

There are so many awareness days, weeks and months throughout the year, but this one could have been made for us at Just Luv It – it’s Plastic Free July! This is one of the main values we hold, to offer ways to reduce plastic in our gifting, our homes and in everyday use, and this month is a great opportunity to rethink how we consume, gift, and live.

We love that for businesses and customers alike, Plastic-Free July highlights how we can all make more conscious choices that reduce waste and protect the planet, without sacrificing style or meaning. So this month on the blog, we’re exploring what it means to go plastic-free, how we achieve it from start to finish in all we do at Just Luv It, and there’s also a few fabulous plastic-free, sustainable teacher gift ideas for you as we approach the end of the school year too.

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a global initiative that inspires millions of people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Swap plastic packaging for recyclable alternatives, choose plastic-free gifts, or get your hands on that refillable water bottle you’ve been meaning to buy – every small change contributes to a bigger impact.

You don’t have to be perfect and banish all the plastic from your life, but making a few changes to simple, sustainable choices really does add up to progress overall, and that will mean that we collectively reduce plastic waste, protect wildlife, and support healthier environments across the world – which benefits all of us.

How We Reduce Plastic at Just Luv It

At Just Luv It, we’ve built sustainability into everything we do, from sourcing to packaging. We live to be sustainable! We are proud to offer eco gifts that are thoughtful, ethical, and environmentally responsible, and your order from start to finish will reflect those values.

Always Sustainable Packaging

Every order is packed with care using recycled cardboard boxes, eco-friendly parcel tape, and recycled brown kraft paper bags instead of plastic. Even our decorative ribbon is made from recycled materials, and our business cards are fully recyclable. We want to make sure that sustainable gifting still feels special without creating unnecessary waste, and we’ve designed it all with that in mind.

Choosing Ethical Suppliers

We work closely with suppliers who share our values, so you can trace the sustainability right back to your item’s source. Supporting responsible production and ethical practices has far-reaching benefits for humans and the planet, and we want you to feel good about giving those gifts too.

Our Fair Trade Commitment

As proud members of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers (BAFTS), we follow the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, including environmental responsibility and sustainable production. This means every purchase you make supports skilled artisans and their communities while protecting the planet.

Giving Back to Nature

We also partner with the Greener Earth Project, planting trees every month based on the sales we make. This year, we have committed to planting trees in Scotland, helping restore local landscapes and biodiversity. It is our way of ensuring that sustainable gifting gives back to the environment in a meaningful, lasting way.

How You Can Join Plastic Free July

Taking part in Plastic Free July does not have to be burdensome or complicated, because small, everyday swaps can make a real difference – try these ideas:

• Reuse gift bags, boxes, and wrapping whenever you can. I’ve got a whole area for collected gift wrap that I have saved from presents to reuse on the ones I’ll give this year!
• Choose reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic – and keep a supply in the car for popping to the shops, so you don’t forget them and have to buy one when you’re in there.
• Recycle packaging after opening your online orders. Most of it can be easily recycled and can often be composted as well.
• Support businesses that prioritise sustainability and offer plastic-free gifts – like Just Luv It!

Sustainable Teacher Gift Ideas from the Just Luv It Shop

With the end of term approaching, Plastic Free July is the perfect time to choose sustainable teacher gifts that show how much you appreciate them, are a little bit different, and are environmentally friendly too.

Our recycled aluminium hearts (£10) are a popular choice, beautifully presented in recycled cardboard boxes. Available in six colours – aqua, silver, forest green, red, purple, and pink  -they make thoughtful, plastic-free gifts that teachers can pop on their desk for all those little bits and pieces.

For something fun and practical, our handmade keyrings (£7.25) are crafted from 100% wool and come in a variety of cheerful designs, ideal for brightening up classroom keys. Our much-loved sheep collection starts at £6.75 for mini versions, each one full of character and guaranteed to raise a smile. These eco gifts are perfect for adding a touch of joy and personality to the classroom!

And for a really different idea, and the ultimate in eco-friendly, why not choose our £5 Plant a Tree voucher? As part of our commitment to planting trees in Scotland, this is a wonderful sustainable teacher gift that continues to give back for years to come, and symbolises all the growth that children experience with the best teachers.

However you choose to take part this Plastic Free July, we wish you lots of luck in making small, meaningful changes that reduce plastic, and maybe even inspire others around you to do the same. Every step matters, and together we can create a sustainable future, one thoughtful choice, one eco gift, and one habit at a time.

Competition Time – Win a £40 Voucher

Don’t forget our special giveaway: sign up to our newsletter for your chance to win a £40 voucher to spend on our website. We’ll be announcing the next winner at the end of July! Find the sign up form by popping onto our home page and scrolling down: Just Luv It home