What is plastic free July ?
Plastic-Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to reduce their plastic consumption and waste throughout the month of July.
The initiative was started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation in Australia, with the aim of raising awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. Participants are challenged to avoid using any kind of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, and any plastic packaging, and to find reusable or eco-friendly options instead.
#refuse #reuse #reduce
The Purpose and Impact of Plastic-Free July
This initiative is the perfect moment for everyone to rethink their consumption and implement small or big actions in their life to reduce their (plastic) waste. They provide resources, tips, and tools to help participants identify alternatives and make sustainable choices.
Plastic-Free July is a pivotal movement that pushes for reducing the use of single-use plastics, but it’s also a great opportunity to delve deeper into the broader implications of our plastic habits. Plastic bags, for instance, are a significant source of environmental pollution. These bags often end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose, or in oceans, contributing to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The use of recycled and recyclable materials is essential in mitigating this problem. For example, shifting to reusable grocery bags made from recycled polyethylene or polypropylene can significantly reduce the number of plastic bags in circulation and is so easy to do!
Spreading Awareness and Education
Plastic-free July aims to spread awareness and educate people about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, wildlife, and human health. On their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/plasticfreejuly?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== they publish a lot of interesting content. On their website they also write a lot of blogs https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/blog/ on various subjects.
The movement was launched to inspire individuals to make a personal commitment to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics for an entire month. By subscribing to their newsletter, participants receive regular emails filled with tips and tricks to help them limit plastic waste.
Creating a Sense of Community
What makes this movement particularly effective is its emphasis on creating a sense of community and encouraging communal involvement. They organize and promote community events, workshops, and activities that support plastic reduction and sustainability efforts.
In the long term, the goal is to inspire lasting changes in behaviour and policies that contribute to reducing plastic waste beyond just one month. Starting with a manageable one-month challenge can help participants realize that changing habits isn’t as daunting as it seems. Many people find that after this month, they naturally incorporate some of these new habits into their daily lives, leading to a lasting positive impact.
Addressing the Environmental Impact of Plastic
The environmental impact of plastic doesn't stop at visible litter; microplastics, which are tiny fragments of plastic debris, have infiltrated our waterways and food chain, posing risks to marine life and human health. The ban on single-use plastic bags in many regions is a step in the right direction. However, more comprehensive measures are needed, such as encouraging the use of compostable and biodegradable alternatives and enhancing recycling programs to ensure that plastic items like containers, bottles, and packaging are properly processed and reused. Supermarkets can play a critical role by promoting reusable produce bags and offering incentives for shoppers to bring their own bags.
Encouraging Sustainable Practices
Furthermore, the plastic-free initiative encourages individuals to reconsider their use of disposable items. The success of Plastic-Free July depends on collective action, with communities and individuals embracing sustainable practices and advocating for policies that limit the production and use of plastic. Together, we can lessen our environmental footprint and move towards a more sustainable future.
Take the Challenge!
Ready to take on the challenge yourself? Join their mailing list by clicking on this link to receive daily challenges and tips on reducing plastic in your life! Join over 100 million participants worldwide: Take the Challenge.
Not sure where to start? Focus on one room in your house to limit plastic consumption, breaking the task into manageable parts. A great place to begin is the bathroom, where plastic waste can easily be reduced. Switching to beauty products in glass packaging doesn't require a significant change in your habits. Have you tried our oral care products? We offer natural toothpaste, mouthwash tablets, and beechwood toothbrushes, all plastic-free and made with active ingredients.
Let's join the Plastic-Free July movement together and build a global community of individuals conscious of their plastic consumption and committed to making a positive environmental impact!