For Hastings resident Ellen Beauchamp, Dry July is about doing something to support the Cancer Society in memory of her late father.
"I lost my Dad to terminal lung cancer in June last year. He was 60-years-old.
"Watching him struggling was one of the hardest things I have ever been through and I don't wish it upon anyone."
Ms Beauchamp wants to raise more than $1000 to do more pre-screening tests.
"I want to do what I can to help people with cancer. I don't think there is enough done for adults with cancer."
Despite having a busy month with many social events that will involve alcohol, Ms Beauchamp was not worried about the temptation to have alcohol at any of these events.
"It won't be an issue - it is such a good cause and will be a good way to collect more donations when someone asks me why I am not drinking," she said.
Radio announcer Martin Good talks the talk but can he walk the walk and stay dry this Dry July?
Mr Good's co-host, Sarah van der Kley, thinks he won't get through the month, especially when he started two days early on Sunday night.
"Sarah thinks I am completely crazy.
"I am doing it as an 'in your face' to Sarah. When someone says I can't do something, I like to prove them wrong."
Mr Good said any money he could raise would be great as it was for such a good cause.
"Having looked at the calendar, we have a staff do on Friday night - that will be the first test.
"But I can give up my bourbon and coke as I really like what Dry July stands for."
Napier resident Raymond Hemi says doing Dry July made a statement that life goes on without alcohol.
"People spend a lot of their free time on alcohol. You don't need it to have fun."
Drying out can lead to benefits such as increased energy levels, higher productivity, a clearer head, better sleep, clearer skin, and of course, no more hangovers.
Above all, supporting a good cause.
-If you want to participate in Dry July, sign up at: nz.dryjuly.com/sign-up
-Donate to the cause: nz.dryjuly.com/donate
-Donate to Martin Good - supporting the Cancer Society of New Zealand nz.dryjuly.com/profile/martingood