July is Plastic Free Month!

July is plastic free month - a global movement to reduce single-use plastic and protect our planet!

Why it matters

Globally, we produce over 400 million tonnes of plastic every year, with around half of that designed to be used once and discarded. Much of it ends up in landfills, waterways, or oceans, where it harms wildlife and ecosystems.

Plastic pollution contributes to the climate crisis too. From the extraction of fossil fuels to production and disposal, plastic is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

By taking part in Plastic Free July, people reduce waste, cut emissions, and protect the environment – all while inspiring others to do the same.

Plastic Free at Work

There are simple ways organisations can get involved and support their employees in making plastic-free choices:

• encourage employees to bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and lunch containers;
• replace disposable kitchen items with reusable or compostable alternatives;
• audit plastic use in the office and switch to bulk-buy or refillable options;
• host a lunchtime talk or webinar on plastic pollution and sustainability;
• share tips in your internal newsletter or intranet throughout the month;
• organise a plastic-free team challenge or pledge wall;
• partner with local zero-waste stores or recycling initiatives

Take the Challenge

The official Plastic Free July Challenge invites individuals and workplaces to commit to reducing single-use plastic for a day, a week, or the entire month. You can sign up at plasticfreejuly.org and receive free tips, tools, and resources to support your journey.

Participants often report lasting changes: after taking part, 9 out of 10 people form new habits that stick well beyond July.

Ideas for getting started

Not sure where to begin? Here are some easy swaps:

• say no to plastic bags and bring your own tote or backpack;
• use bar soap or refillable soap dispensers instead of plastic pump bottles
• avoid bottled drinks and use a reusable bottle and fill it up;
• skip individually wrapped snacks and buy in bulk;
• switch to plastic-free toilet paper and cleaning products;
• choose loose fruit and veg instead of plastic-wrapped produce.

Join the movement

Plastic Free July is an opportunity to reflect on how our everyday choices impact the planet – and how small changes can lead to big collective impact.

Whether you're an individual looking to reduce waste, or a business wanting to lead on sustainability, now is the time to act.

Take the challenge. Share your efforts. Inspire others.

Let’s make July plastic-free and build momentum for a more sustainable future.