What is Plastic Free July?
A global movement which began in Australia in 2011. Its aims to help people take practical action to reduce plastic waste. Since then this has expanded with hundreds of millions of people taking part every year and often continuing these habits far beyond the month of July.
It’s the largest plastic waste avoidance initiative, aiming to campaign to empower communities, companies and governments to take action to reduce plastic waste.
Can I get involved?
Anyone can join in to make small or big changes and to try to inspire other people to do the same.
Does it have to be during July for me to take part?
Absolutely not. Although July is the main focus to motivate people you can try and reduce your plastic usage any time. Theres never a bad time to start making a difference.
Plastics are everywhere, I’ve no idea where to begin!
Firstly don’t worry or try to make too many changes at first. We have an action plan, help, top tips and links so that you aren’t on your own. We know changes can be difficult so we’ve developed these so that everyone, wherever their starting point can have a go without too much effort.
Think plastic free ish! It’s impossible in today’s society to live plastic free.
Don’t let not being able to do everything mean you do nothing.
We know that plastic is so widely used and this can seem daunting. We have lots of help and tips so that these actions can easily fit into your day-to-day life. Like any changes you want to make in routine habits, it may take more planning at first but very soon you may be surprised about how plastic reduction can fit into your life without you even thinking about it.
Companies make things with so much plastic packaging. What is being done to make them change this?
More pressure from consumers will mean companies will react to this. We have seen this in packaging reduction and the decrease in their reliance on black plastics which cannot be recycled. Initiatives like Plastic Free July are also key in campaigning for them to reduce their use of plastics will be a driver for this.
The law saw a mandatory charge to be made by companies for each plastic bag purchase in 2015 (which increased to 10p in 2021). This has seen the numbers bought in the UK by around 98%.
In 2018/19 the total number of single use plastic bags bought was 1.13 billion, however in 2023/4 this was down to 340 million. Major supermarkets now charge between 30p and £1 for plastic bags, with many only offering reusable or compostable option.
Is reducing my plastic going to be more expensive?
No. Reducing plastic often means saving money too. Bulk buying, only getting what you need, not purchasing plastic bags, pre-packaged items and buying loose things actually can make you some big savings. You may find you also reduce the amount of food you waste and visiting the shops less means its likely you avoid impulse buying or purchasing things you don’t need.
For example currently buying packaged pre chopped onions will cost you £3 per kilo. Buying loose onions by comparison cost just £1 per kilo. Loose onions can be stored for much longer so you will reduce potential food waste which also saves you money and the time you spend shopping .
Many companies give money off take away coffees when you bring your own reusable mug and a plastic carrier bag can cost up to £1.
Do I need to buy new things in place of plastics before I start?
Definitely not. You should make use of the plastics already have plus these can actually be very useful in helping you to reduce plastic too. Tupperware’s, takeaway tubs and plastic bags you already have can be used as storage containers so you can bulk buy, purchase loose items and use for avoiding buying more plastic when you’re out and about.
Can I still buy plastics?
Yes, we can’t totally avoid these and plastic can be very useful. Reducing plastic can still make a big difference and some plastic products can help us save plastic too. Reusable bottles, zip lock plastic bags and larger bottles or packets are much more sustainable as they are reusable for the long term.
Are there any other benefits in reducing plastics?
Yes. As well as environmental and cost saving reasons, it usually means shopping less, living more healthily and saving time.
For example you will shop less often, spend less time sorting your waste and generally make heathier choices from not buying pre packaged foods as these are often not as good for us.
I’ve seen sustainable products online. Why aren’t there more available in the shops and are any cheaper options locally?
Hopefully as more people opt for reduced plastic options companies will make these more widely found and also cheaper. There are many things you can get in the shops which are often a lot less money and have much reduced packaging.
For example bars of soap, natural cleaning products like white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, buying cloths instead of wipes and items made from sustainable materials are very cheap and are less reliant on chemicals too.
Next steps, help and top tips
For more information please visit the links below:
Plastic Free July – Be Part of the Plastic Pollution Solution