Plastic Free July

I’m mad keen on recycling because I’m worried about the next generation and where all this waste we’re producing is going. It has to stop. I wash out my plastic containers and recycle envelopes, everything I possibly can.

Cherie Lunghi

Recycling is emphasized everywhere, but there’s not enough holiday to indeed enforce the idea of how easy it is to recycle. When it comes to plastic, plastic has become the number one product people use each day, despite how damaging it is to the environment. Plastic Free July is a holiday dedicated to teaching people about the dangers of plastic and challenges people to avoid plastic for a month. Read more to learn about its history and see how you can get started.

History of Plastic Free July

Beginning with just a handful of participants in Western Australia back in 2011, the holiday idea has since grown into its own independent, non-profit organization and an annual event in over 150 countries. They originally began through the organization Earth Carers, a community that focuses on a wide range of environmental issues in the world and educates people about the consequences of hurting the environment. Their vision, after separating and becoming their own organization, is all about a world without plastic waste, and many people caught on to the message they sent out because of their concerns for plastic waste across the globe.

Hence, Plastic Free July is all about encouraging people to be more aware of their plastic use and creating a cleaner world as a result. People can participate in this holiday by avoiding all products that use plastic products in them throughout the whole month of July. This holiday also helps educate people about the different types of plastics out there and what happens in the recycling system when plastic is introduced. This initiative aims to challenge the material system the world has in place when it comes to its economy, focusing its efforts on a global span as well as a personal one. By reducing how much a person uses, they can make a small difference and help others do the same.

How to celebrate Plastic Free July

Begin by avoiding single-use plastic such as straws, water bottles, and plastic produce bags. Use more reusable products such as glass jars, metal utensils, and use metal tin lunch boxes and containers for storage. Avoid highly processed foods and begin using homemade recipes. Learn how to make your products like toothpaste, deodorant, and mouthwash. Share this holiday to your friends online by using the hashtag #plasticfreejuly and see if you can convince them to join you in your efforts to stop using plastic.