Across the globe, hundreds of millions of people are taking part in Plastic Free July together, working towards a world without plastic waste. This is a great opportunity to take a look at what we are consuming and the waste we are creating and consider ways to reduce.
As part of our ongoing efforts to end plastic waste and protect our environment, the Better Business Partnership and its Partner Councils Ku-ring-gai, North Sydney and Willoughby are taking the Plastic Free July challenge to help our community avoid single-use plastics.
It’s not about being perfect or doing everything. Every individual who joins the Plastic Free July challenge makes a difference. By taking small, practical steps together, participants help to reduce around 300 million kilos of plastic polluting the world each year.
For those just starting out, participants often begin by choosing to refuse the ‘Top 4’: Straws, take-away coffee cups, plastic shopping and produce bags, and plastic water bottles.
Local cafes are accepting reusable coffee cups and some have joined Green Caffeen, but we need more on board! Other ways you can make a difference are by choosing to: refuse the lid, disposable cutlery, napkins, and single-serve sauce sachets with takeaway meals, or opting to dine in. It all adds up!
Many participants build up a supply of reusables to take with them. We always encourage people to use what they have, choose second hand, and support local businesses.
Sign up for the Plastic Free July challenge at plasticfreejuly.org and take the pledge to say bye-bye single use plastic on the Bye-Bye Plastic website.