Plastic pollution is a global problem that affects our land, airways, and oceans.This month is Plastic Free July - a global initiative to encourage everyone to eliminate plastic use for one month. Plastic Free Foundation is hosting an event that invites us all to be part of the solution.In 190 countries, over 100 million people take part each year. The 'Plastic Free July Foundation' recognized 5 interesting plastic-free initiatives from around the world.
Beginning Plastic-Free Journey At Home
The major source of plastic in Joanna's household came from pre-packaged products. She started buying fruit and vegetables from local suppliers to combat this. She didn't buy pre-packaged goods on the odd occasions when she did purchase fruit or vegetables from the supermarket. In many cases, it was as easy as asking herself, ‘What would my nanna do?’ Home baking, wrapping rubbish in newspaper and cooking instead of buying takeaway all made a huge difference. Joanna also began saying no to the big four single-use plastic items – cups, straws, bottles, and plastic bags. Her family started buying "experiences" rather than presents that would end up in landfill. Bicarb soda, clove oil, vinegar, and washable cloths are all alternatives to cleaning products that can make a significant difference.
Bags by Banners
The initiative encouraged people to design and make bags from used banners, which would otherwise be sent to landfill. The Cumberland City Council stated that Plastic Free July was the perfect timing to promote Bags from Banners and encourage wider community support for the cause to benefit our environment and the community. The initiative saw Council's old event banners repurposed into reusable bags instead of being disposed of in a landfill.The local Women's Creative Hub partnered with women from asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds to make reusable shopping bags from old banners. Reusable bags are now used throughout the community by Council.
Walking The Talk
Brookfield Properties is committed to reducing its environmental impact by walking the talk on single-use plastic avoidance.Launching their plastic reduction initiative to coincide with Plastic Free July, they engaged staff and built momentum. Vast plastic reduction and wide-reaching operational changes were the result of pilot projects with stakeholders.The initiative is now operational at each of its commercial assets across Australia. Plastic avoidance strategies can be streamlined through Brookfield Properties' journey of learning.
No Plastic In This School
Liz introduced the school-wide plastic-free challenge after participating individually for a number of years.She spoke to the canteen manager and they decided to work together to overcome the challenge.The canteen switched out plastic cutlery for bamboo, plastic straws for paper, and stopped selling plastic wrapped icy poles.The commitments made in July became permanent changes at the school, and everyone embraced the challenge.
Up Cup Game by bRU Coffee
bRU Coffee has a Mug Library where customers can take and return mugs for free. This simple yet effective solution helps people to Up Cup.Sondra, the café owner, originally sourced mugs from second-hand stores, but now many customers bring mugs from home.#ByoCupWeek was a campaign led by bRU Coffee in collaboration with author Sarah Wilson and other cafés, which aimed to reinforce the importance of bringing a reusable cup or borrowing one through a cup exchange or mug library.
If health and safety legislation and training staff in safe practices are up-to-date, it can encourage people to swap to reusables.Over 100 million people in 190 countries have been inspired by this movement.Small changes made by every individual will have a massive collective impact on our communities.One can choose to refuse single-use plastics every month!It's great that being part of Plastic Free July will help you find alternatives that can become new habits forever.
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