Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. It was started in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and a small team in local government in Western Australia and is now one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world.
The movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. You making a small change will collectively make a massive difference to your communities.
Why is it Important?
Plastic consumption has quadrupled over the past 30 years. Global plastics production doubled from 2000 to 2019 to reach 460 million tonnes.
Nearly two-thirds of plastic waste comes from plastics with lifetimes of under five years, with 40% coming from packaging, 12% from consumer goods and 11% from clothing and textiles.
- Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled
- 19% is incinerated
- 50% ends up in landfill and
- 22% evades waste management systems and goes into uncontrolled dumpsites, is burned in open pits or ends up in terrestrial or aquatic environments, especially in poorer countries.
What Can You Do?
- Avoid as much plastic packaging as you can
- Choose loose produce (skip the little plastic bag or put in a reusable bag)
- Bring your reusable cup for your takeaway coffee or sit and enjoy a real cup
- Request plastic free options from your favourite takeaway or Support food vendors offering compostable alternatives
- Bring a reusable bottle with you on the go and fill from the tap
- Use a reusable lunch box to store food, store food in containers or use beeswax wraps instead of clingfilm
- Ditch plastic bottles in the bathroom and opt for soap & shampoo bars
- Refuse plastic straws, stirrers & cutlery. bring a set of cutlery from home wrapped in a napkin
Follow along on Instagram for more tips on how to be plastic free this month and every month!
To get started on making simple swaps for a better future, check out Ode to Earth.
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