Call for participation in July plastic waste reduction

An initiative in Western Australia in 2011 has become a global event aimed at cutting down on the use of disposable plastics in daily life, writes Brian Byrne. Plastic Free July is now undertaken by more than 300 million people worldwide, in 177 countries.

The initiative, managed by the Plastic Free Foundation, is claimed to contribute to a total saving of 940 million kilos of plastic waste each year.

At an individuals level, simple methods adopted to reduce plastic waste included switching to bar soap and shampoo, going back to Tupperware instead of freezer bags, and — a very 2020 example — using reusable face masks.

There has been a strong corporate involvement too, with organisations and companies such as the US Postal Service, Pernod Ricard, HP, Tommy Hilfiger, and Akzo Nobel taking part.

In its Impact Report for 2020, the Plastic Free July movement estimated that participants have reduced their annual plastic waste by 21kg per person, a relatively mild 5pc cut.

Kilcullen Community 4 Climate Action is encouraging local people to take part this year, and has produced a video with some tips. 

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