Basically, it is choosing to refuse once-off plastic use for the month of July. Plastic has been around for more than 60 years and it has really become ubiquitous over the years. A lot of the plastic produced, however, ends up in landfills or even worse, in the environment. Every year, at least 8 million tons of plastic enter our oceans only to be mistaken by animals for food resulting in contamination and even death of animals. By making one small change, you can make a real difference…let’s give it a go, shall we? Consider this an official challenge to a plastic-free July!
How to start?
No teacups! No plastic straws! No Plastic shopping bag! Always carry a water bottle all day!!! No this is certainly not the way to approach it. The key is to start small, take baby steps. Firstly, if it’s your first time hearing about plastic July, don’t be alarmed….you don’t have to throw away all the plastic in your life at once. You can start with just one type of plastic. For instance, don’t accept a plastic bag when you go for groceries or just give up the plastic straw. Remember plastic free July is about progress and not perfection! It is important to keep it fun and realistic, don’t overwhelm yourself because that will only lead to frustration….trust me, I know!!!
Find an alternative this July
I love plastic-free July, but I know that it is almost impossible to realize a plastic-free environment. It is actually challenging, even for an environmental activist like myself to get through plastic fee July. In South Africa, plastic-free July falls in winter when everyone just wants to reach out for the most convenient product or item. So yeah, participating in plastic July is that much more challenging in South Africa and one does have to be a bit more determined. It takes discipline and commitment, having said that it is quite fun and rewarding knowing that I am actively reducing my carbon footprint, one plastic at a time!!!
So what plastic can you leave alone for 30 days?
Lastly,
always remember the three Rs’; Recycle, Reuse and Reduce!!!
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