Despite how harmful plastic is to the environment, it has become the most popular thing people use on a daily basis. Plastic Free July is a month-long celebration dedicated to educating people about the risks of plastic and challenging them to refrain from using it for a month.
Plastic Free July began in 2011 as an effort of the Plastic Free Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Australia. The challenge, now in its tenth year, challenges people to refrain from using or purchasing single-use plastics for a month.
The campaign demonstrates how we can all help to lessen the impact of plastic on our planet by encouraging people to think about their everyday plastic usage and make minor lifestyle changes. And we are all aware of its evils by now.
Plastic does not biodegrade and clogs animal stomachs as well as polluting our waterways and highways. By 2050, there may be more plastic in the oceans than fish if we do not modify our habits. Moreover, fewer than 10% of all plastic ever manufactured has been recycled, which is as alarming.
It's more important than ever to reduce our plastic usage and join Plastic Free July's award-winning campaign to save both the environment and our personal health.
WHY JULY? NOT ANY OTHER MONTH ?
We are mostly holidaying during month of June and July. Our enjoyment of nature and the environment is at its peak during the warm summer month of July, when we're often enjoying carefree days outdoors, lounging at the beach, or swimming in the ocean.
What better moment to draw attention to the growing amount of plastic debris that has accumulated on our land and in our waterways?
WAYS TO DECREASE SINGLE USE PLASTIC.
1. Use a Cloth Bag
Use a cloth bag that can be reused. Plastic bags are a huge source of plastic garbage. They're created from nonrenewable fossil fuels, consumed for a few minutes, then discarded or left to pollute our world forever.
It can take 1,000 years for a single plastic bag to decompose. Purchase or construct your own reusable produce bag, and wash it frequently! Invest in a few reusable produce bags so you don't have to rely on store-bought plastic bags.
2. Reusable Bottles and Mugs
Carrying a reusable bottle is an excellent way to reduce your plastic consumption and can also save you money. Because there are so many different types of reusable bottles and mugs to meet every scenario and need, this is a simple switch to make during Plastic Free July (and beyond).
Bring a couple with you when you go out so you don't have to buy bottled water or use a disposable coffee cup.
Even when ordering to-go, use a reusable container or mug for your beverages.
3. Say No To Plastic Straws
Simply say "no, thanks" to plastic straws whether ordering a meal or purchasing a drink. That's all there is to it! Straws made of plastic are hazardous for our oceans. If you require or desire a straw, there is a reusable option to meet your needs. Even collapsible straws that fit in your bag or purse are available.
4. Avoid excessive food packaging
We may all strive to reduce the amount of plastic we buy by making different decisions in the supermarket or shopping in a different place. Furthermore, loose fruit and vegetables are frequently less expensive than pre-packaged options!
Don't be deceived by deals like "buy one, get one free" or "3 for 2." Do you really require that food item? Are you going to be able to eat it before it spoils? While we all appreciate a good deal and bulk buying can occasionally save money, we can substantially limit our plastic waste by just purchasing what we require.
5. Use containers that aren't made of plastic
Grain, nuts, flour, and other foods, as well as laundry detergent, dish soap, and body lotions, can all be stored in glass or metal jars. However, don't automatically discard all of your plastic containers; this will result in waste. Slowly eliminate the plastic.
6. Refrain from using disposable plastic cutlery
We've all been there: purchased a salad or yoghurt at a cafe or train station only to discover that the only silverware available is plastic! While it's impossible to anticipate every situation, put a spoon or fork (or spork!) in your bag or keep cutlery at your desk at work.
You may have noticed that stores are increasingly selling portable cutlery sets that you can take on picnics or keep in your purse in case of an emergency. This eliminates the need for a disposable knife and fork if you decide to eat out on the spur of the moment.
Plastic-Free July is an excellent opportunity for you to think beyond your own personal lifestyle choices and motivate others to join you in making a change. Consider establishing a campaign in your community or perhaps your city to minimise single-use plastic. You don't have to travel far to make a difference.
Explain the concept of single-use plastic to your friends, family, and peers, as well as the need of decreasing your plastic usage. You can help eradicate single-use plastic in your home by educating others, and they can do the same in theirs.
Large firms mass-produce plastic, which causes the single-use plastic problem. Large corporations may be motivated to pursue greener options if individuals spread the message on social media. What firms make and sell is driven by what customers want and need. Use your voice if you have one!
Don't bother.
You can always select nothing if it's between plastic and nothing.
Leave a comment