Environmental July Celebration
Plastic Free July
An average American household generates 250 pounds of plastic waste every year, most of which comes from packaging. The convenience of single-use plastics, and our throw-away culture, helped create this crisis. Plastic pollution poses significant risk to all ecosystems by threatening their inhabitants. Microplastics have permeated our food and water, and are jeopardizing human health.
Join the global Plastic Free July movement and be part of the solution for plastic pollution. Simple changes in your daily life can make a big difference. Say no to single-use plastics like drinking straws, shopping bags, and tableware. Instead, use reusable alternatives. Purchase products packaged in boxes instead of plastic because boxes can be recycled or composted. Reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk - it’s also less expensive. Bring your own container for leftovers when eating out. Do not buy bottled water; instead, purchase a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water. This is also a money-saving opportunity. Reuse plastic containers. If you must dispose of them, recycle. Make sure that they’re clean, remove the labels and do anything else required by your recycling company.
Take Action Steps:
- Keep track of your progress. Log the amount of single-use plastic you declined during the month of July, and set a higher goal for next month.
- Go to https://www.plasticfreejuly.org and join the Plastic Free July challenge.
- Learn about the global plastic crisis and share this video with your friends and family https://www.storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-plastic-animation.
- Write to companies and ask them to reduce packaging. Tell them you’ll only purchase from companies with sustainable business practices.
- On Mar 25th, S.984 “Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021” was introduced into Congress. It’s in the first stage of the legislative process. Contact your representatives and ask them to support the bill.
Lori McCollum