What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic free July started only 10 years ago by a few people in the local government based in Western Australia and has grown to be one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world with a simple idea, to rid the world of plastic waste. By 2050, plastic usage is set to quadruple and recycling just won’t solve the problem. Last year it was estimated that there were 326 million participants and reduced their plastic waste by 21kg per person per year.

A recent IPSOS study showed that of around 20,000 people that were surveyed, only 29% were actually aware of the challenge, and of that 29%, only 45% actually took part. This shows that whilst the challenge is gaining momentum, there is still a lot to do to really increase the reach of Plastic Free July, and that’s where business, local governments and consumers need to spread the word and encourage friends and family to take part.

Consumers are now starting to influence product packaging, and 35% of them now want to purchase plastic free products compared to a product that uses recycled plastic. As consumers we are making progress with the reduction of plastic in our purchases by re-using plastic shopping bags, making more use of aluminium water bottles, and storing food in containers rather than cling film.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately the inevitable use of plastic is creeping back in, with coffee shops, pubs and restaurants going back to single use takeaway cups and containers, but it’s been proven that it becomes inactive once it comes into contact with detergent, so in theory if a reusable cup is properly washed and cleaned, it could actually be safer than single use cups that have been left in the open environment for a long time.

Making plastic free swaps is actually much easier than you might think. There is a lot of information on multiple websites about what you can do, but here are my easy swaps that can also save you money.

• Cookbooks. It might not instantly reduce the amount of plastic waste, but there are plenty of cookbooks that can offer tips and advice on how to buy loose and local fruit and vegetables. You can also ask your local butchers/fishmongers if you can use your own plastic containers.
  Reusable coffee/tea mugs. I’ve spoken multiple times about these but they are very useful. You can get collapsible mugs which take up less space in your bags & thermos ones that keep your hot drinks hotter for longer, and cold drinks colder for longer.
• Lunchboxes. If you really want, you can use old takeaway containers (free swap). Or you can get nice bamboo ones and air tight ones. All great ways to reduce cling film wrappings
• Silicone lids. If you’ve got left over food, or half cut vegetables, then these stretchy lids will help keep your food fresher for longer. Again another swap to remove un-recyclable cling film.
• Milk & More. We used to have milk deliveries so why not try again? Getting milk delivered in glass bottles it’s closed loop (they will collect the old bottles and use them again), it’s better for the environment, and much more convenient.

So if you want to know more about the Plastic Free July, head over to their website where there is loads of information about how to get involved, events, and other resources.