Every year, people across the globe come together to participate in a movement that aims to reduce plastic pollution: Plastic Free July. This initiative encourages everyone, from individuals to businesses, to focus on reducing single-use plastics for one month. But why is this important? And how can you get involved? Read on to find out more…
What is Plastic Free July?
Plastic Free July is a global movement that began in 2011 to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and encourage solutions for reducing single-use plastics. The campaign promotes simple changes in our daily lives that can make a big difference in the health of our planet.
The Importance of Reducing Plastic Pollution
Every year millions of tons of plastic end up in our ocean, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. By participating in Plastic Free July, you’ll be contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
A great example of this single-use plastics, which are a significant contributor to landfill waste. By switching to reusable alternatives, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste we generate. Using items like reusable bags, bottles, and containers can help you lead a more sustainable life.
How to Get Involved in Plastic Free July
If you want to get involved and make long-lasting changes, our main piece of advice is to start small! Begin by identifying common single-use plastic items in your daily routine and find alternatives. Replace plastic bags with reusable ones, switch to metal or bamboo straws, and always carry a reusable water bottle. As we say at Sea Change, small changes can lead to big impacts. Trying to change everything at once is unlikely to lead to meaningful, sustainable change in the long term.
Take time to learn more about the types of plastics and their impact on the environment. Understanding the problem is the first step towards finding effective solutions.
Support Sustainable Brands
Supporting brands like Sea Change that prioritise sustainability not only has its own impact, but also encourages more companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Plastic Free July is more than just a month-long challenge; it’s a stepping stone towards a sustainable future. By making small changes in our daily lives and encouraging others to do the same, we can collectively create significant positive outcomes. So, this July, take the pledge to reduce plastic use and be a part of a movement that strives for a cleaner, healthier planet. Let's start now and embrace a plastic-free lifestyle!
As our charity partner Ocean Generation puts it so well: the world doesn’t need you to be a perfect environmentalist. Our planet needs billions of imperfect people doing what they can, learning as they go and striving to always be better. Embrace imperfection and know it makes a difference 💙 #PlasticFreeJuly 🌊