Here’s How And Why You Should Take Part In #PlasticFreeJuly

“Imagine a world without plastic waste. That’s the mission behind Plastic Free July – to build a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling, worldwide.” 

1. Who?

The idea of #PlasticFreeJuly originally began as an idea from a small group of people in Western Australia in 2011, and today, has evolved into a mass movement with millions of people all over the world (from more than 150 countries) participating.
They envision a world without plastic waste.

2. Why?

By encouraging people to be more aware of their plastic use, it will be possible to envision and create a cleaner world for generations to come. This involves encouraging behavioural change and helping others to more habitually #choosetorefuse shopping bags, straws, takeaway containers and coffee cups.

3. How?

To get started with the #choosetorefuse challenge this Plastic Free July, follow these five steps (by the Plastic Free July website):

Step 1:

Sign up to be counted and they will send you helpful tips and recipes straight to your email inbox throughout July.

Step 2:

Take their Pesky Plastics Quiz to help you track down where your plastics come from.

Step 3:

Choose what you will do based on how much you can handle at first:

• avoiding the plastics that seem to fill your recycling bin;
• targeting the takeaway items that could end up in the ocean;
• going completely plastic free (finding alternatives to everything) for a day, week, month or more.

Step 4:

Explore their Toolbox Tab and spread the word:

• Chat with and challenge friends;
• Post your successes on social media;
• Post the challenge the old fashion way (with posters about town);
• Ask your local café or shop to seek plastic free alternatives

Step 5:

Share your challenge and progress on social media, tag @PlasticFreeJuly and use the #PlasticFreeJuly and #ChooseToRefuse hashtags.

Have you signed up to the Plastic Free July challenge yet? What kind of changes would you make so that you could go plastic free? It’s not too late to start now! Let us know in the comments below!

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