Six Strategies for a Plastic-Free July 2021!
Plastic Free July is a month-long celebration that aims to educate people about the risks of plastic and promote reduced plastic usage. Originating in 2011 as an initiative by the Plastic Free Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Australia, the movement has since grown into a globally recognised event.
The month of July was chosen for Plastic Free July for two main reasons. Firstly, it coincides with a time of increased plastic use due to summer activities like picnics, barbecues, and festivals when single-use plastics are most prevalent. This timing helps maximise awareness and impact as people are more likely to encounter and use single-use plastics during this season, making it a strategic month to encourage reductions and habit shifts.
Secondly, starting the campaign in July allows people worldwide to take a manageable month-long pledge to reduce plastic use, discover how easy changes can be, and possibly establish long-term plastic-free habits. The choice of July has become a recognised global movement marker, continuing to gain momentum each year with millions participating to refuse, reduce, and rethink plastic consumption.
There are numerous ways to participate in Plastic Free July. Saying "no, thanks" to plastic straws can help protect the oceans. Using social media to spread the message about greener options can motivate large corporations to pursue greener options. Using glass or metal jars for storing food items instead of plastic containers is another simple change that can make a big difference.
Avoiding excessive food packaging can help limit plastic waste. Carrying a reusable bottle or mug can help reduce plastic consumption and save money. Reusable straws, including collapsible ones, are available as alternatives to plastic straws. Purchasing only what is needed can help reduce plastic waste, even when deals like "buy one, get one free" are offered.
By refraining from using disposable plastic cutlery and opting for portable cutlery sets instead, we can eliminate the need for disposable cutlery. Using cloth bags instead of plastic bags can help reduce plastic waste. Using reusable containers or mugs for to-go beverages can also help reduce plastic waste.
It's important to remember that plastic does not biodegrade and poses risks to both the environment and wildlife, including clogging animal stomachs and polluting waterways and highways. By 2050, there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish if current plastic usage habits continue.
Encouraging others to reduce their plastic usage can help eradicate single-use plastic in communities and cities. By taking part in Plastic Free July, we not only reduce our own plastic footprint but also inspire others to do the same. Together, we can make a significant impact on plastic pollution and create a cleaner, greener world.
[1] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). About Plastic Free July. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about
[2] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/faq
[3] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). Impact. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/impact
[4] Plastic Free July. (2021). Why July? Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/why-july
- Adopting a plastic-free lifestyle during July's outdoor activities, such as picnics and barbecues, can helpraise awareness about plastic waste and encourage sustainable living.
- By partaking in environmental-science-oriented practices, like using glass or metal jars for storing food and saying no to plastic straws, we can contribute to the fight against climate-change and promote home-and-garden sustainability.
- Refraining from single-use plastics in the home, like disposable cutlery and plastic bags, and opting for reusable alternatives instead, can help reduce one's carbon footprint and contribute to the shift towards sustainable-living.
- Engaging in educational activities, such as reading about the impacts of plastic waste on the oceans and wildlife, can expand our understanding of the importance of adopting a plastic-free lifestyle and becoming active participants in the Plastic Free July movement.
- Collaborating with organizations like the Plastic Free Foundation (founded in 2011) and sharing information about the benefits of reduced plastic usage via social media can inspire larger corporations and communities to invest in greener options and create a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.
