Plastic Free July – Tips
Join the global mission to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics in celebration of Plastic Free July!
What’s wrong with single-use plastics?
Plastic is everywhere. It’s a convenient, cheap, easy, flexible substance, but it’s wreaking havoc on us and our environment. Here are a few unfortunate facts from Global Citizen:
- Only 9% of all plastic produced is recycled
- A whopping 2 million plastic bags are used every minute worldwide
- Every minute of every day a truckload of plastic is dumped into the ocean
- 73% of beach litter worldwide is plastic
- One million plastic bottles are bought every minute
How to participate in Plastic Free July?
It’s great to focus on personal plastic use, like swapping a disposable takeaway coffee cup for a reusable mug but, in the workplace, we can expand our reach and collective impact. Plastic Free July is a perfect time to engage your colleagues and reduce single-use plastics. Here’s a few simple ways to make a positive change this July.
Reducing single-use plastic at work
Celebrate Plastic Free July with colleagues by following the go-to 3-Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
- Reduce: This may be the most laborious step, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Take a look at what is being purchased and stocked in your pantry or kitchen. Are there ways to eliminate one or two unnecessary products? Are plastics straws necessary? Can you source bulk-items versus single-serve products, such as water hydration station (vs plastic bottles)? Cut out the simple, easy things whenever possible to limit waste sent to the landfill.
- Reuse: A major source of single-use plastics and waste is in the kitchen or café. Work to make reusables the norm with your colleagues. Explore ways to promote reusable coffee mugs, water bottles, and cutlery. Do you have access to a sink? Is there a way to refill your personal water bottle? Is there a discounted rate for coffee refills when using a reusable coffee mug?
- Recycle: Conduct a visual or waste audit to evaluate the success of your recycling program. First, seek direction from your waste hauler on what is and is not accepted (most commonly only plastics #1 and #2 are accepted, while #3-7 are commonly trash). Then, sort through the waste to identify common contaminants. Coordinate a staff huddle or setup some interactive games to share lessons learned and work to make it memorable.
More info
Sign onto the Plastic Free July Challenge pledge by reducing plastics for a day, a week, or a month in the workplace, schools, and home!
Looking for a partner to help you and your organization on their sustainability journey? Reduction In Motion can help you reach your waste reduction and sustainability goals!
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