July marks the start of the annual challenge to go plastic-free, are you up for the challenge? Plastic Free July is a great way to give back to the planet and set new goals for yourself.
South Africa (03 July 2023) – Every year, Plastic Free July is celebrated globally. It is set as a challenge for the world to give up all or some kinds of plastic for a full month. For many, simply giving up plastic shopping bags is a good start; the more experienced give up almost all plastic use for an entire month. The very best among us end up giving up that plastic for life!
July is the month to challenge yourself, your friends and your family to go plastic-free or at least cut down on plastic use. The challenge was originally launched in Australia in 2011 and spread globally since then.
When taking up the challenge, you don’t have to go full-blown plastic-free; any effort you can commit to, you should make. The challenge has three sets of plastic-free living.
- Avoiding single-use plastic packaging
- Avoid takeaway items like straws, plastic cutlery, coffee cups, plastic bottled drinks and polystyrene containers.
- Go completely plastic-free
You decide if you would like to challenge yourself to one day, one week, one month or from now onwards. The community spans 190 countries and more than 120 million people – and counting.
The best part is, for all the plastics you give up, see if you can find an alternative solution so that once July is over, you can make a lasting impact.
Here are some easy tips on how to give up plastics.
- Use material bags when grocery shopping. Challenge yourself to avoid using or purchasing any plastic bags this month.
- Buy a reusable water bottle. Glass and metal ones are the best. This way, you always have nice chilled water, and you don’t have to buy plastic bottles.
- Refuse straws; instead, go without or purchase a bamboo, glass or metal one.
- Avoid using cling wrap, ziplock bags and other unrecyclable plastics.
- If you do use plastic, make sure it can be recycled. Then recycle it.
- Set up a recycling system at home, teach your family to follow it and place it in your bin in a clear bag for informal recyclers.
- Stop buying clothing that contains plastics. Treat yourself to an item of clothing that is made using natural fibres and that will last you for the rest of your life.
Will you be joining Plastic Free July this year? If so, what are you giving up? You can find out more and sign up for the challenge here.
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