Stop for a moment and take a look around you. How much plastic do you see? From plastic packaging and wrappers to straws, cups, bags, and more, we are constantly surrounded by single-use plastics are they all really necessary?
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It clogs our oceans, endangers marine life, and poses a threat to our own health. However, with initiatives like Plastic Free July gaining momentum worldwide, we have the opportunity to make a real difference.
What are single-use plastics, and what’s the big deal?
Single-use plastics, as the name suggests, are plastic items designed to be used only once before being discarded. These products are typically used for a short period and then quickly disposed of, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Single-use plastics come in various forms, including plastic bags, straws, water bottles, cutlery, food packaging, coffee stirrers, takeaway containers, food wrappers, and disposable cups. While they offer convenience and ease in our daily lives, their short-term utility comes at a significant cost to the environment. These items often end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, posing a threat to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. It is crucial to recognize the impact of single-use plastics and take steps to reduce their usage in order to mitigate their adverse effects on our planet.
An important thing to note is that while single-use plastics cause harm to our environment, we must also explore ways to reduce plastic use (and waste) as a whole. In many cases, commonly used plastics are not biodegradable, and ultimately cause more harm to our entire world. In fact, each year, millions of tons of plastic waste find their way into our oceans, inflicting harm on marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Moreover, plastic particles permeate the food chain, potentially endangering human health. Additionally, plastic production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
How can we make a difference?
Together, we can create positive change, not only for our current environment, but for our future. Consider participating in Plastic Free July as we come together to take a closer look at our plastic use and identify ways that we can limit it. As a society, we tend to focus on what’s convenient, leading to an ever-increasing amount of plastic waste. Everywhere you look, single-use plastics find a way in. This month, join us in reflecting on our use of plastic and work with us to make positive changes, not only within your life but within your community.
- Work to reduce plastic use and waste: Take a look around your home, workplace, and community. Are you using plastic bags at the grocery store? Buying items wrapped in plastic? Start saying no to these single-use items.
- Embrace reusable items: Take time to find reusable alternatives that you can utilize in your everyday life. Instead of plastic shopping bags, bring your own reusable bags. Invest in durable items such as water bottles in order to create less waste. Carry small reusable items such as silverware and straws to avoid using single-use items.
- Search for sustainable alternatives: As we try to reduce harm to our environment, it is important to ensure that the alternatives to plastic are sustainable and realistic. Can you replace plastic wrap and bags with beeswax wraps? Utilize bars of soap instead of liquid soaps packaged in plastic bottles?
It can seem overwhelming to try to replace such a widely used element of our daily lifestyles. It is key to remember that you are not alone–we are a community working together to make change. Throughout Plastic Free July, make sure to check in with yourself and those around you to make sure that the changes you are making are sustainable long-term the ultimate goal is to create positive change in our lives that lasts far beyond July.
The 4 Rs
You probably read that and thought “wait, there are only 3 Rs” right? Many of us are familiar with the idea of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, all of which are profoundly important when it comes to eliminating plastic waste. However, did you know that there is a fourth R? In reality, we could probably come up with quite a few Rs that fit in with our theme this month – can you think of any more?
- Respect: This planet has been flourishing for billions of years. Many cultures teach respect for the planet in all aspects of raising and educating a child, and even require acts of sustainable responsibility by each citizen. In order to understand the need for all the Rs, one must first and foremost respect the planet!
- Refuse: Encourage yourself and your community to refuse single-use plastics and unnecessary consumption of plastic as a while. We can work together to reduce demand for plastic and minimize waste as a whole.
- Rethink: Constantly be mindful of how you consume within society. Question whether the waste being created is wholly necessary, and if there is a way for you to eliminate unnecessary plastic waste.
- Repair: There may be items in your life that are plastic but that you cannot remove. Work towards repairing items that are broken or damaged instead of replacing them (even if they aren’t plastic, you are still reducing waste!).
Tips and Tricks
We have included some of our favorite ways to celebrate Plastic Free July below. This is by no means an all-inclusive list, and we understand that not everyone may be able to eliminate all plastics from their lives.
- Pack reusable straws and utensils if you plan to eat out. Use reusable water bottles and coffee cups.
- Choose products that have minimal to no plastic packaging.
- Choose to support local, sustainable businesses.
- Compost organic waste to reduce the use of plastic trash bags.
- Choose plastic-free storage and instead opt for metal or glass containers, or even reusable beeswax wraps.
- Select products that are not created with plastic, for example replacing your toothbrush with a bamboo version.
- Check products to help you avoid plastic waste. Some paper products use plastic to make them more durable.
- Properly dispose of any plastics you do have or use. This helps to ensure that as much as possible is reused instead of sitting in a landfill.
- Grab a grabber and pick up trash that you see in your local area. This can help ensure that plastic is being properly recycled and not making it out into the environment.
Plastic Free July offers us a valuable opportunity to address plastic pollution and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. By understanding the negative impacts of single-use plastic and implementing practical steps to reduce plastic consumption, we can collectively make a significant difference. Let's commit to a plastic-free future, not just in July but for generations to come. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet.
