Plastic Free July 2021
Are you ready for Plastic Free July 2021? Plastic Free July started in Western Australia in 2011 as a local initiative to reduce plastic waste. The challenge has grown rapidly across the globe reaching millions of people in more than 170 countries.
In 2017 Plastic Free July transitioned to the Plastic Free Foundation Ltd. as a not for profit registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and is registered internationally with the Charities Aid Foundation of America.
Their vision and mission is:
Our Vision: A world without plastic waste
Our Mission: Build a global movement that dramatically reduces plastic use and improves recycling
The Plastic Free Foundation’s efforts have not gone unnoticed and it’s great to see them gaining recognition with the following awards:
- Finalist 2020 Mumbrella CommsCon Awards: Best Government Sponsored Campaign; Pro Bono Campaign of the Year
- Finalist 2019 Banksia Sustainability Awards: Minister’s Award for the Environment; NFP & NGO Award
- Winner 2018 Infinity Award: Avoid Recover Protect – Community Waste Award
- Winner 2018 Environmental Action Award, United Nations Association of Australia WA Division
Plastic Free July is the key initiatives of the Plastic Free Foundation and aims to reduce single-use plastics by encouraging people to “choose to refuse” single-use plastics in July (and beyond!).Â
Plastic Free July Impact
Plastic Free July is certainly having an impact across the World :
In July 2020 alone, an estimated 326 million people across the globe took part in the challenge from 177 countries. An IPSOS survey- link will open in a new window revealed that 29% of people surveyed worldwide were aware of the Plastic Free July challenge and almost half of those chose to take part in 2018.
The Foundation estimates that participants will:
- reduce their household waste and recycling by 21kg per person per year (almost 5%)
- contribute to a total saving of 940 million kg of plastic waste each year
- 8.5 out of 10 people made changes that have become habits/ a way of lifeÂ
How to get involved
It’s easy to get involved in Plastic Free July. And, it’s definitely a great way to kickstart your Plastic Free lifestyle or motivate you to continue on your journey.
All you need to do is sign up for the Plastic Free July challenge and you will receive weekly emails with lots of handy tips and tricks to help you achieve your goals.
But remember this is all about making small sustainable changes to help reduce single use plastic, so don’t feel you need to do everything at once. And, remember use up what you have first and don’t rush out to buy eco friendly alternatives but look to see if you can reuse something you already have.
And, if you need some more inspiration or want more help on where to start I’ve included some of my Zero Waste swaps below.
Plastic Free Swaps
Here are a few ideas for Plastic Free swaps that you can make in the Bathroom, Kitchen and On The Go. Â
Plastic Free Swaps in the Bathroom
- Solid Soap Bars
- Soap Socks
- Loofah
- Shampoo Bar
- Solid Moisturising Bar
- Reusable Face Wipes
- Bamboo Toothbrush
- Toothpaste Tabs
- Safety Razor
- Wooden Comb / Hairbrush
Plastic Free Swaps in the Kitchen
- DIY Natural Cleaning products
- Reuse old jars for storing leftovers
- Make your own snacks to reduce plastic packaging
- Stop using clingfilm & sandwich bags
- Compostable Baking Paper
- Cloths instead of Kitchen Towel
- Plastic Free Sponge
- Solid Washing Up Soap Bar
- Natural rubber household gloves
Plastic Free Swaps On The Go
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Reusable Cup
- Cotton Produce Bags
- Metal Lunchbox
- Bamboo Cutlery
- Reusable Hankie / Napkin
- Cotton Tote Bag
- Sunscreen in a tin
- Lip balm in a tin
- Hand Sanitiser in Glass Bottle
I hope that’s given you a little bit more insight into Plastic Free July and encouraged you to sign up for the challenge 🙂Â
For more inspiration check out my Blog Posts in the Zero Waste section of TMG.
