Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July: Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Creating Sustainable Habits

Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices.

In the UK, this initiative holds immense significance as the nation strives to combat plastic waste and its environmental impact. 

Plastic waste poses a significant environmental challenge. According to the UK government, the country generates around 2.4 million tons of plastic waste annually, with only a fraction of that being recycled. This waste not only pollutes our land, rivers, and oceans but also harms wildlife and contributes to climate change.

Plastic Free July is driven by the alarming facts and figures related to plastic waste. Here are a few statistics highlighting the issue in the UK:

• Over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced globally since the 1950s, and only 9% has been recycled (source: National Geographic).

• In the UK, it is estimated that approximately 700,000 plastic bottles are littered every day (source: Surfers Against Sewage).

• Single-use plastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to decompose in the environment (source: UK Government).

Plastic Free July Challenge 

Plastic Free July empowers individuals to take action against the plastic waste crisis. By adopting simple lifestyle changes and embracing sustainable alternatives, we can all reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and make a positive impact on the environment. These figures above surrounding plastic waste serve as a wake-up call, urging us to be more conscious of our consumption habits.

Here at It’s Interventional we have fully embraced the challenge of Plastic Free July, by asking our team to give up some single use plastic items for the month of July and beyond.

Some have opted to give up buying milk in plastic bottles, or plastic wrapped fruit and veg, cling film and even plastic sandwich bags. 

Tips to Avoid Single-Use Plastics this Plastic Free July & beyond:

• Carry Reusable Shopping Bags: Always keep a reusable bag handy to avoid using single-use plastic bags when shopping: opt for sturdy bags made of canvas, jute, or recycled materials.

• Ditch Disposable Water Bottles: Invest in a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. In the UK, it is estimated that 7.7 billion plastic water bottles are used annually, with only a fraction being recycled (source: Greenpeace).

• Embrace Refillable Solutions: Seek out shops and supermarkets that offer refill stations for household cleaning products, toiletries, and personal care items. Refilling containers reduces the need for single-use plastic packaging.

• Choose Loose Produce: opt for loose fruits and vegetables instead of pre-packaged options. Consider using reusable produce bags or simply placing them directly in your shopping basket.

• Bring Your Own Reusable Utensils: Carry a set of reusable cutlery, including a metal straw, when dining out or getting takeaway food. This helps avoid single-use plastic cutlery and straws.

• Choose Sustainable Food Storage: Instead of using plastic wrap or sandwich bags, invest in reusable food storage options like beeswax wraps, silicone food covers, or glass containers.

• Explore Plastic-Free Toiletries: Switch to plastic-free alternatives for personal care items, such as shampoo bars, soap bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and plastic-free dental floss.

• Say No to Plastic Straws: When ordering drinks, request no straw or bring your own reusable straw. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 8.5 billion plastic straws are used annually (source: The Marine Conservation Society).

• Use Sustainable Coffee Cups: Carry a reusable coffee cup to your favourite café, as disposable coffee cups are difficult to recycle due to their plastic lining.

• Spread the Word: Educate others about the importance of reducing single-use plastics. Encourage friends, family, & colleagues to join the Plastic Free July movement.