Three-Year Anniversary of Plastic Free July Movement: Assessment of Progress and Challenges
Plastic Free July, a global movement launched in 2011, has been gaining momentum over the past decade, with more than 120 million people from 177 countries participating in 2021 [1][3]. This environmental initiative encourages individuals and communities to reduce single-use plastic waste, fostering both individual and collective action against plastic pollution.
Alison and I, a budget-conscious family, embarked on our plastic-free journey in 2020, inspired by our first Plastic Free July experience [2]. We started a blog with the goal of living sustainably while sticking to a budget. Since then, we have invested in glass storage containers for food storage, a budget-friendly alternative to throwing glass jars into the recycling bin. We have also adopted homemade cotton crocheted cloths for cleaning dishes, which can be composted when no longer usable.
The movement has played a key role in raising awareness about plastic pollution and encouraging sustainable behaviours on an individual and community level. It has inspired millions to refuse single-use plastics and adopt alternatives, collectively helping to reduce pollution in streets, oceans, and local environments [1][3].
One of the strategies promoted by Plastic Free July is refusing single-use plastic items such as plastic bags, straws, cups, and cutlery. Instead, we opt for reusable alternatives like fabric shopping bags, travel mugs, water bottles, bar soaps without plastic packaging, and reusable containers for food storage. We also reuse plastic products whenever possible, such as washing and reusing plastic containers, repurposing plastic bags for garbage or storage, and converting plastic bottles into planters or watering cans.
Plastic Free July encourages proper recycling as well, sorting accepted plastics into recycling programs to reduce landfill and environmental contamination. Small, continuous changes over a period of time can make a significant difference in plastic reduction. For instance, growing our own produce or visiting a local farmer is a great plastic-free food option. We have also successfully swapped disposable sanitary pads for reusable cotton pads during Plastic Free July.
The movement has also influenced businesses and industries. Van Elle, a construction company, is one example, replacing single-use plastic items with recyclable or reusable alternatives, resulting in hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste saved annually [2]. The movement empowers participants to influence local policies and consumer habits, contributing to bans or reduction efforts of certain problematic plastic items such as lightweight plastic bags and foam packaging on a governmental and corporate scale [3].
This year, we are excited to invite our readers to join us in the Plastic Free July challenge and share their progress. We have found success in swapping plastic toothbrushes for bamboo toothbrushes, using shampoo bars instead of plastic bottled shampoo, and using reusable straws, water bottles, and coffee cups. We have also found beeswax wraps to be a worthwhile investment for food storage, as they help reduce food waste and keep food fresh.
Small, everyday actions can lead to substantial reductions in plastic waste and pollution. Let's continue to make a difference together, one small step at a time.
References: [1] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). About Plastic Free July. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about/ [2] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). Business Case. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/business/ [3] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). Impact. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/impact/ [4] Plastic Free Foundation. (n.d.). How to Participate. Retrieved from https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/participate/
- In line with the Plastic Free July movement, we've decided to incorporate sustainable gardening practices at home, focusing on the use of reusable containers and plastic-free soil delivers for our home-and-garden needs.
- As advocates of plastic-free living and environmental-science, we've started composting our kitchen waste, reducing the need for plastic-based fertilizers and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.
- To foster sustainability in our gardening habits, we've replaced plastic pots with ones made from biodegradable materials, such as bamboo or coconut fibers, contributing to a plastic-free environment.
- In our quest for sustainable gardening, we've also implemented water-saving techniques, such as drip irrigation and the use of a rain barrel, minimizing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainability in both our lifestyle and garden.
- As our journey into sustainable living evolves, we continue to explore science-backed solutions for a plastic-free garden, such as using organic pest controls and gardening methods that foster biodiversity, promoting a healthy climate-change resilient ecosystem.
