Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people everywhere to choose to refuse single-use plastics.
By making a conscious effort to replace single-use plastic items with reusable or eco-friendly alternatives, we can help keep our streets and waterways plastic-free.
Be part of the pollution solution, and sign up for the Plastic Free July challenge, here.
East Ways to Go Plastic Free
Here are are some easy ways to reduce plastic consumption and go plastic free:
- Buy unpackaged products
- Shop at local farmers markets
- Bring reusable bags with you
- Learn how to bake
- Get local businesses involved to inspire community-wide change
- Choose to refuse at least one single use plastic for the entire month of July
Why is Plastic a Problem
Plastic pollution is one of today’s most pressing environmental issues, yet disposable plastic production continues to boom.
In 2018, global plastic production hit 359 million tons – 50% of which was for single-use products. These plastic products, such as packaging, bags, utensils, lids, and food wrappers, have a usable lifespan ranging from minutes to hours, yet they remain in the environment for centuries.
Worldwide, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 12% is incinerated, and a whopping 79% goes to landfills. Once in landfills, approximately eight million tons of plastic escapes into waterways every year, and eventually ends up in our oceans. Here, it breaks down into small particles called “microplastics”, and becomes near impossible to recover.
Plastic pollution affects millions of marine and land animals every year, many of which die from plastic entanglement or ingestion. Researchers have also found that humans may be ingesting anywhere from 39,000 to 52,000 microplastics a year, though its implications on our health are still unclear.
At the root of the plastics problem, is its production. Since 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels like oil and gas, its creation directly contributes to climate change.
The solution is clear: we must eliminate the use of single-use plastics.
Take a stand against plastic pollution by refusing single-use items, and ask governments to enforce sustainable standards for businesses distributing plastic items. Tell others why plastic is not the way of the future, and do your best to lead by example. Together, we can be the solution to plastic pollution.
Interested in how you can adopt a sustainable lifestyle?
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