NEW THEME FOR PLASTIC FREE JULY 2023 ANNOUNCED; “Small steps make a big difference.”
From 1st July millions of people will join the Plastic Free July® global movement and take steps towards ending plastic pollution. The theme for the 12th Plastic Free July® challenge is “Small steps make a big difference’.
“When 140 million people take a small step, it is noticed. Choosing to refuse a single-use plastic item this
July means joining a big movement of people taking steps to end plastic pollution. Importantly, it also
means showing businesses and governments they need to step up too.” Said Rebecca Prince-Ruiz
Plastic Free July participants typically reduce 18 kg of household waste and recycling each year. This
equates to approximately 38 times the weight of waste collected by the world’s biggest clean-ups last
year.
“The significance of preventing waste before it enters our ecosystem cannot be stressed enough. We
know that the every-day items that pollute our oceans have often only been used once or twice before
being thrown in the bin. By taking steps to reduce, reuse and refill, we are being part of the solution to
eliminate waste.” Said Rebecca Prince-Ruiz
There are a lot of popular choices and switches people are making to reduce plastic waste. Some people
are choosing reusable coffee cups for this July, while others are choosing to refuse plastic packaging.
- Avoids landfill waste and protects the ocean: By taking steps to avoid plastic items
that usually end up in landfill, it’s helps to prevent items breaking up into microplastics that
cause lasting harm to wildlife and marine ecosystems. - Reduces consumption and production: By taking steps to reduce, reuse and
refill, earth’s resources aren’t used up as quickly. Millions of people around the world are
altering their shopping habits, choosing to actively avoid excessive plastic packagingii and
materials that are only used once or twice before being thrown in the bin. - Reduces human health impacts: By taking steps to avoid food that is wrapped or
heated in plastic can limit potentially hazardous chemical exposure. There is increasing
concern and research being done on the human health impacts of single-use plastics to be
taken into consideration. - Connects communities and drives systemic change: By taking steps to use reusable
containers, instead of single-use ones, means that others are more likely to so as well.
Research has demonstrated a strong impact on social norms. This year we’re calling on
policymakers and MPs to share their personal pledge to be part of the solution.
The next two years are critical for the public concern for plastic pollution to be heard as the United
Nations will forge an international legally-binding agreement in response to the plastic crisis. Plastic Free
July provides an opportunity for people to be part of the solution. For more information visit
plasticfreejuly.org.
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