Started by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and a small in local government team in Western Australia way back in 2011, Plastic Free July is now a global movement that encourages people to reduce their plastic waste. The initiative has grown significantly over the years, inspiring over 100 million participants in 190 countries!

The aim of Plastic Free July is to help people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, leading to cleaner streets, safer oceans, and healthier communities. So how can you partake? Participants are encouraged to refuse single-use plastics for the month of July (and beyond!) and find sustainable alternatives. The campaign provides resources and ideas to help reduce single-use plastic waste at home, work, local cafés, eateries, and you guessed it, even schools!

The Plastic Free Foundation, which oversees the initiative, believes that small changes can add up to a big difference. Over the last 5 years, participants have collectively avoided 10 billion kgs of waste, including 1.4 billion kgs of plastic. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new ways to further reduce your plastic waste, Plastic Free July offers a wealth of ideas and resources. You can take the challenge and join the global movement to reduce plastic pollution.

Here are five tips to keep you on track!

1. Stop online shopping and food delivery where possible
2. Carry a kit with reusables (straws, cutlery, shopping bags etc) whenever you leave the house
3. Fill your reusable bags or containers in the bulk section of your local grocery store or farmers market
4. Replace single-use plastics with plastic-free alternatives whenever something runs out
5. Get confident saying no to plastic! Politely refuse single use plastics and share the reason why

Remember, the goal of Plastic Free July is not just to reduce plastic use in July, but to create sustainable habits that last a lifetime! Learn more at the Plastic Free July website.