Take Action Against Plastic

Sunday marked the start of Plastic Free July, a worldwide initiative that aims to reduce the rampant consumption of single-use plastic items. Because of this, citizens everywhere are being challenged to make a positive impact on the environment in their day-to-day lives and take action against plastic this July.

This July, we can start with refusing to use the top 4 plastic culprits that are:

• Take away coffee lids and cutlery
• Single-use plastic bags
• Plastic water bottles
• Plastic Straws

These, along with ear buds and sweet wrappers, are specifically hard for us to grapple with as they are non-recyclable. We spread them around carelessly when littering and the wind blows them everywhere. As plastic can take over a thousand years to break down, it is frightening to consider the implications. For example, we are currently sharing the world with every single piece of plastic that has ever been made…

Yet, with a little foresight and consideration, it’s easy to avoid the temptation of these incredibly harmful products. Simply getting into the habit of storing reusable items somewhere handy is already an achievement. For example, storing your own coffee cup or shopping bag in the car is an attainable goal anyone could implement right now. Reading up on and visit your local environmentally friendly supermarket is another option.

For the resigned sceptic, drives like Plastic Free July may seem like too little too late in the grand scheme of things. However, it reminds me of certain quote by Margaret Mead:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”