Plastic Free July started as a small initiative in Perth WA and has now grown into a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution - to have cleaner streets, oceans, and planet. 

In July, as a contribution to cutting down on waste,  people give up all or single-use plastic - especially straws, take away coffee cups, plastic bags, and food containers.  Many continue the habits learned in July for the entire year. 

Plastic is a petroleum product and does not break down in the environment.  It stays with us forever. Most household waste in Australia ends up in landfills and is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions while plastic pollution including microbeads is a serious threat to our ocean and waterways.

A core permaculture principle is - to produce no waste. There are many ways we can cut back on household waste from foods to electronics to fast fashion. There are reuse, repair, and up-cycling options + farmers’ markets, food coops, and bulk buying sources. Often we do not need to use these materials at all as healthier alternatives exist. such as washable cloth bags, glass containers, and packaging from food waste,  to name a few.  

A longer-term vision is to reduce plastics production and consumption and to set up substantial reuse and recycling programs  - leading to zero waste. At the core is a whole system approach that aims to eliminate waste, use fewer resources, and significantly reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

If you would like to share in this vision and  to know more about cutting back on waste for Plastic Free July and beyond attend our free zoom event with Keelah Lam, long term Zero Waste advocate at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/83594897205

Meeting ID 835 9489 7205

Meeting Password 080172

Other resources:

If you would like to be part of the Plastic Free July challenge:

https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/

ABC War on Waste series: https://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/