Most of us thought of fireworks and picnics as we turned the calendar this week, but July is not just for celebrating the Fourth. It is also the start of Plastic Free July! For the past 13 years, the Plastic Free Foundation has promoted a global focus on reducing single-use plastics. The challenge for this year is to reduce the use of the “Top 3” items: single-use cups, plastic drink bottles, and plastic food wrap.
“We know that recycling and cleanup efforts aren’t enough to stop the growing amount of plastic pollution entering landfills, our environment, and ultimately the world’s oceans. We must turn off the plastics tap now, and Plastic Free July is the perfect opportunity for everyone to get involved. Whether that’s pledging to avoid one of the “Top 3” or another single-use plastic in your own life, or getting a workplace involved, there are so many choices to try,” said Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Executive Director of the Plastic Free Foundation.
Ready to participate? You can join the challenge by pledging to take steps such as:
- Avoid single-use plastic packaging
- Target takeaway items (bags, bottles, straws and cups)
- Go completely “plastic free”
You can also begin by focusing your efforts in one area at first. Choices on the pledge form include reducing single-use plastics at home, at work, at a shop or restaurant, or at school. The Plastic Free July website also has a quick quiz you can take to get started, ideas for sharing your efforts with others, a toolkit with posters, social media tiles, and ways to be a “changemaker,” and a 31-day calendar with a daily challenge.
Watch this quick video to learn more, then join us and take the pledge!
Image credit: 2024 Plastic Free July media release