In 2011 in Western Australia, Plastic Free July started. Since then, this initiative to reduce plastic waste has grown into a worldwide organization and challenge. In fact, in their 2021 Impact report, they reported 140 million Plastic-Free July participants that year alone. All those participants helped reduce nearly 2.1 million tonnes of waste!
The more people learn about the dangers of plastic to our planet and our health, the more determined they may become to reduce their plastic waste. In the 11 years since the challenge began, the initiative has reduced the global demand for bottled water by 2.3%, fruit and vegetable packaging by 3.1%, and plastic straw demand by 4%. These figures will grow as more people begin to participate. So this year, we invite you to join us!
If your business decides to participate in Plastic Free July this year, it’s best to start preparing early. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight, and it may take time and reminders to get your team on board. But don’t get discouraged. Even small steps to reduce plastic usage in the workplace can make a big difference. Here are a few simple ways you can start:
- Discourage single-use plastics like water bottles, plastic bags, straws, and other containers.
- Switch to natural or eco-conscious office supply products or order in bulk to reduce plastic packaging.
- Reuse plastic wrapping, containers, or materials for your business needs. For example, if you tend to get a lot of deliveries or packages, keep the bubble wrap and use it the next time you need to send a parcel.
- Refill printer cartridges, ink cylinders, and toners instead of switching them out for new ones.
Steps like these are sustainable, long-term strategies that you can adopt in the workplace to reduce your plastic consumption permanently. Adopt these strategies now and keep them up year-round. Then you can highlight the benefits of Plastic Free July in the workplace by:
- Hosting a company-wide clean up of a local park, school, highway, or even your business
- Share information with your employees and customers on how to reduce plastic usage in the home
- Host an event highlighting plastic-free initiatives
- Or something even more creative!
As a cleaning company, we know that cleaning supplies and materials are a big part of the plastic problem. We do our part by buying our supplies in bulk containers, reusing spray bottles and containers (when it’s safe to do so), and using green cleaning products. You can try these same strategies in your business too.
Plastic waste is a huge environmental problem, and we all need to do our part to reduce our dependence on plastic. This challenge is an excellent reminder of the steps we can take to help each year. So start now to prepare for Plastic Free July and adopt healthier habits that will reduce your plastic usage year-round!
