Strategies for a Plastic-Free July 2021!
Plastic Free July, a global movement that started in Australia in 2011, is an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness about the environmental risks associated with plastic and encouraging individuals to refrain from using it for an entire month. The campaign, initiated by the Plastic Free Foundation, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, taking place every July.
July was chosen for this campaign due to its practicality as a mid-year point and the seasonality of plastic use during summer events. With many countries observing July as a summer month, single-use plastic consumption spikes during picnics, barbecues, and festivals, making it a strategic time to raise awareness about plastic pollution and encourage reductions.
Using plastic bags, for instance, takes approximately 1,000 years to decompose, contributing significantly to plastic waste. By opting for reusable cloth bags instead, we can make a substantial difference.
The Plastic Free July campaign encourages participants to think about their everyday plastic usage and make minor lifestyle changes to lessen the impact of plastic on the planet. Carrying a reusable bottle, for example, can not only reduce plastic consumption but also save money, as there are numerous types of reusable bottles available to cater to various scenarios and needs.
It's important to note that only fewer than 10% of all plastic ever manufactured has been recycled. If we continue on our current path, by 2050, there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish. Plastic does not biodegrade and can clog animal stomachs, pollute waterways and highways, posing a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems.
By participating in Plastic Free July, we are not only taking a step towards a cleaner and healthier environment but also setting an example for others to follow. Let's join the movement and make July 2022 a plastic-free month!
[1] Plastic Free Foundation. (2022). About Plastic Free July. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about/
[2] National Geographic. (2021). Plastic Free July: How to Participate. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2021/06/plastic-free-july-how-to-participate/
[3] The Guardian. (2020). Plastic Free July: The benefits of giving up plastic for a month. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/24/plastic-free-july-the-benefits-of-giving-up-plastic-for-a-month
- In the home-and-garden realm, using reusable cloth bags instead of single-use plastic ones during outdoor activities like picnics and barbecues can significantly reduce plastic waste.
- Encouraged by Plastic Free July, participants in environmental-science and lifestyle movements are taking steps to think critically about their daily fruit and vegetable consumption patterns, opting for minimally packaged fresh produce to cut down on plastic usage.
- Astonishingly, only 10% of all plastic ever manufactured has been recycled, with the remaining 90% posing a potential threat to our environment and fish populations in the oceans by 2050, as per National Geographic.
- By adopting a plastic-free lifestyle in July, one can help curb the plastic pollution crisis, contribute to the well-being of wildlife and ecosystems, and reduce the strain on our planet's resources, in line with the Plastic Free Foundation's mission.
