Get ready to make a positive impact on our planet – Plastic Free July is here! This global movement, which begins on July 1st, encourages millions of people worldwide to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By choosing to lower our use of single-use plastics throughout the month, we'll create cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. Read along to know more!
What is Plastic Free July?
Founded in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in Western Australia, this initiative has grown into a global phenomenon, inspiring over 100s million participants, together avoiding 1.4 billion kg of plastic over 5 years (see 2023 impact report). The campaign provides resources and ideas to help individuals, businesses, and organizations reduce their single-use plastic waste at home, work, school, and even at local cafes.
One of the key features of Plastic Free July is the "Pesky Plastics Quiz". The quiz takes 5 minutes to complete and asks about your current plastic usage, rather than what you hope to do during the challenge. This will help you establish a baseline, and you'll be invited to take another survey in August to measure (and brag about) your successes!
Why is Plastic Free July so Important?
The world is facing a plastic pollution crisis, with single-use plastics ending up in our oceans, harming marine life, and even entering our food chain. By participating in Plastic Free July, you can make a tangible difference in reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our environment. Every single person's effort, no matter how small, contributes to a collective impact.
How to Take Part?
Taking part in Plastic Free July is simple. You can start by choosing to refuse single-use plastic items such as straws, plastic bags, water bottles, and coffee cups. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like metal straws, cloth shopping bags, refillable water bottles, and ceramic or glass coffee cups. The Plastic Free July website has a lot of information, including the "Pesky Plastics Quiz," to help you identify areas where you can make changes in your daily life.
In addition to that, you can find hundreds of low-waste shops listed on Ganddee all across the UK. At Ganddee we not only make it easy for you to find sustainable shops, we also partner with listed brands to make you save money on healthier and more sustainable products. Check our list of exclusive offers on the app, you'll find refill and zerowaste options!
The Benefits of Going Plastic Free
Beyond the environmental benefits, going plastic-free can also have a positive impact on your health and wallet. Many single-use plastics contain harmful chemicals that can leach into your food and drinks, potentially leading to health issues. By switching to reusable items, you not only reduce your exposure to these chemicals but also save money in the long run by not constantly purchasing disposable products.
Moreover, many cafes and restaurants are now encouraging the use of reusable cups by offering discounts. For example, Pret A Manger, a popular UK-based coffee chain, gives customers a 50p discount when they bring their own reusable cup (see here). This not only helps reduce plastic waste but also saves you money on your daily coffee fix.
Ready to Join?
Let's all take the Plastic Free July challenge and be part of the solution to plastic pollution. Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to join in, and share your progress on social media using the hashtag #PlasticFreeJuly.
Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.
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