As we come to the end of July, I thought I would give a quick summary of my attempt to live Plastic Free in July.
Well it truly was a very difficult task, not for lack of trying, more so because almost everything we buy contains plastic!  

A few plastic bags crept in for rubbish, nappies etc. But I have been lining my bin with newspaper.  A couple of straws were used when a drink was brought out for my daughter before I could remember to ask - NO STRAW please!  I have had a maybe 3-4 coffees with a takeaway cup/lid, but my trusty re-usable cup and drink bottle are taken with me everywhere to avoid this.


I have kept every single plastic lid or container to re-use (I know not quite the idea, but I thought it better to keep them and reuse rather than them going to landfill). We will make some kind of art/craft project with them.
 
I have bought a yoghurt maker to cut down on buying yoghurt which always comes in plastic containers or squeezie packs. Now I just have to find the time to make it!! I have also bought re-useable plastic squeezie packs which are great for fruit too. 


This challenge made us realise just how much plastic is out there and how hard it is to avoid, especially if you are not highly organised and prepared when you go to the shops.  


I do feel that I failed the challenge, however, I will still continue to cut down my plastic wherever I can!

We had a fantastic turn out today for Leap into Nature at Mallanbool Reserve in Murrumbeena!  Twenty-five kids enjoyed playing and discovering nature throughout the reserve.  There was a 'nature discovery map', fort/cubby house building, exploring off the track into the bush, listening and learning the call of a Pied Currawong and then some painting with water to learn about evaporation.  

The kids (and parents) learnt how zoologists use different techniques to survey animals in the bush, including spotlighting, trapping and listening for animals calling in the night - it was a hoot ;-).

Lots of familiar faces and new faces too.  Thanks to all the families who came along and enjoyed some windy wild weather and explored our natural world. Its always amazing what you can find in urban parks and how much fun the kids can have just with some grass, rocks, water, trees and imagination! 

I can't believe it has been a month since our last Leap into Nature session, its gone so fast.  What a fantastic day we had today in terms of weather, location and the families that joined us.  Familiar and new faces joined the nature adventure at Warrandyte State Park, Pound Bend River Walk.
We enjoyed a bush walk along the Yarra River with the morning light filtering through the beautiful gum trees.  


















We searched for Koalas in the towering Manna Gums, none seen this time, hopefully next time!
We found lots of Wombat and Kangaroo poo!  We did some searching through leaf litter, mostly finding baby and a few adult millipedes! We found a bull ant nest, the kids constructed an awesome fort to play in and enjoy, read some books, did colouring in and enjoyed lots of outdoor free play time!