What is it?:
Plastic Free July is a month long challenge to not support single use plastics. The campaign's slogan is "choose to refuse," meaning you (the consumer) can actively say no to businesses who contribute to plastic waste. Their goal? To create a global movement that reduces the plastic problem, improves recycling, and promotes responsible consumer habits.
Why take part?:
Do you live on Earth? Then you have a responsibility to keep your planet safe, healthy, and thriving. Plastic waste has been a silent killer for too long, and it is time we all played our part in reducing waste. There are so many reasons single use plastics are bad, including
- The chemicals that leech out into the ground water, soil, and animals that accidentally consume plastic particles are highly toxic and can cause a vast variety of healthy issues to both wildlife and humans
- Plastics do not degrade like other materials --> it can take up to 1000+ years to break down!
- They pose an immediate threat to wildlife who can become entangled or impaled by simple 'trash' like soda rings and drinking straws
How can I help??
The simple answer is don't buy anything that uses plastic packaging! This means produce, drinks, takeaways, makeup, clothing, accessories, snacks, or any of the hundreds of items shrink wrapped in the shops. If this seems difficult, take small steps -- skip the plastic bag, say no to that straw, bring your own (reusable) water bottle.. There are so many ways to make a difference in July!
I will be making lists of ideas, highlighting my favourite plastic free products, and creating a whole post about easy swaps over the next few weeks, so keep an eye out for that -- the best way to be sure not to miss any #PlasticFreeJuly content from me is to subscribe directly to the blog or to Bloglovin, and to follow via Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. If you are keen to get started straight away, you can always check out my "Why Zero Waste" article or my Earth Day ideas.
Do you have any tips and tricks to share? Let everyone know how you are tackling the plastic problem or your ideas for taking part in #PlasticFreeJuly in the comments below! And if you have signed the pledge, welcome to the start of a better world!
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July happens to be my birthday so I'm having a vegan waste free BBQ to show you can still have fun while living an ethical, eco-friendly life!
ReplyDeleteJuly is my birthday month too! that sounds like a fab way to celebrate, and I love you're keeping it ethical - have fun! :)
DeleteI love that there is a month to try and show us how we can be better to the environment how we can try and reduce are plastic usage.
ReplyDeleteI think that's pretty amazing and definitely something that's worth being part of. I honestly am trying my best to reduce the waste we produce at home. Little steps like this can make a huge impact.
ReplyDeleteagreed! would love to see what steps you've taken for reducing waste :)
DeleteIt is such an important cause as we end up using so much plastic, which can be avoided.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely going to be giving this a try -it is so important that we all try to reduce our usage!
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I can go totally plastic free but I do try and cut back. I have fabric shopping bags and try and buy stuff that isn't packaged in plastic
ReplyDeleteit's near impossible unless you have a lot of time and money, but there are a lot of simple switches that can be made while we all wait for shops and government to get with the program! :)
Deletei am actually thinking of taking this challenge at some point very soon. It's important to educate by example the others around us.
ReplyDeletetotally agree! it's a rewarding challenge and many things quickly become habit :)
DeleteThis is such a wonderful challenge to participate in and they should have more plastic free months! I have been shopping a lot in local markets hence not used too many bags this month.
ReplyDeletebrilliant! do you use reusable bags for the market? :)
DeleteWe are gradually gradually cutting down. My kids have picked up litter on the beach for ages, it's something they have always felt like doing, and we have metal straws and don't use as much plastic as we used to. I want to concentrate on becoming much better though! :)
ReplyDeleteI love doing beach cleanups, and I think it's amazing you do them with your kids! awesome job so far it sounds!
DeleteI have been seeing the campaign online and I think it is sucha good idea, I need to see if I can join along too.
ReplyDeleteyou can join in at any point! :)
DeleteThat's a great idea. I wasn't aware of plastic free July. I think it's a fantastic idea. It would be great if all non recyclable items were banned asap to help us clean up the environment.
ReplyDeleteagree - the government has a lot of work to do and it is really their responsibility to make change happen
DeleteThis is a fantastic campaign and it’s really made me think about how I can reduce plastic consumption.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good initiative to lessen plastic wastes and raise awareness.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely shocked by the amount of damage that plastic is doing to our environment. This campaign has made me stop and think.
ReplyDeleteso glad to hear that - it's amazing what damage something as small as a clothing fiber can do. and scary!
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