Unit 3: Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is an annual global movement that encourages people to reduce their plastic consumption during the month of July and beyond. It started in 2011 in Australia and has since grown into a worldwide campaign with millions of participants.

The Plastic Free July challenge aims to raise awareness about the negative impact of plastic on the environment, wildlife, and human health and encourages people to take action to reduce their plastic use. Participants can choose to refuse single-use plastic items such as straws, bags, bottles, and packaging and opt for reusable or sustainable alternatives instead.

Participating in Plastic Free July is easy! Here are some simple steps to get started:

1. Register for the challenge: Go to the Plastic Free July website and register for the challenge. This will give you access to resources, tips, and support throughout the month.
2. Set a goal: Decide on a realistic goal for yourself, whether it’s refusing single-use plastic for the entire month or reducing your plastic consumption by a certain percentage.
3. Take inventory: Take a look at your daily habits and identify areas where you can reduce plastic use, such as food packaging, personal care products, or household items.
4. Plan ahead: Plan your meals, shopping trips, and outings in advance to ensure you have the necessary supplies, such as reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
5. Spread the word: Share your participation in Plastic Free July with friends and family and encourage them to join the movement.
6. Track your progress: Keep track of your progress throughout the month and celebrate your accomplishments.

Here are other tips worth trying out (not only for the month of July) and become inspired to introduce own initiatives to save the planet:

1. DIY containers, packaging and covers for electronics. Do you have any yet?
2. Stitch pieces of cloths to create interesting gift wrapping. Work on your creativity!
3. Observe how much plastic is around you and shortlist how much of it you can replace or stop using. Can you spot a difference?

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