When you think of July, you might think of summer fun, barbecue parties, or perhaps of Independence Day in the United States. But did you know that July is also about making a difference? Let’s talk about the increasingly popular international movement called “Plastic Free July”!

This global initiative started humbly in Western Australia in 2011, led by the Plastic Free Foundation. The goal was simple yet profound: to raise awareness about the harmful environmental effects of single-use plastics and to inspire people to do something about it. In just over a decade, the movement has grown exponentially, reaching millions across 177 countries.

An impressive 29% of global consumers were aware of Plastic Free July, according to an IPSOS survey conducted in 2021… but that’s not all! Of those aware, 13% actually participated in the challenge. These figures represent an estimated 140 million people from 190 countries getting involved in Plastic Free July! And guess what? This number is up from 120 million in 2018, showcasing the event’s growing global influence.

Wondering if your efforts can truly make a difference? Let the stats speak for themselves. Participants in Plastic Free July managed to reduce their household waste and recycling by 15kg per person per year, contributing to a global reduction of 2.1 billion tonnes of waste and recycling. Yes, that includes a mind-boggling reduction of 300 million kgs of plastic consumption!

Also, 86% of participants said they made changes that became part of their daily lives. Individual action often inspires collective shifts – after 11 years, Plastic Free July has remarkably reduced global demand by 2.3% of all bottled water, 3.1% of all fruit and vegetable packaging, and 4.0% of all plastic straws.

Ready to engage in the inspiring journey of reducing plastic usage? Let’s dive into how you can smoothly integrate this practice into your daily life. It’s all about progress, not perfection:

As for us? Free the Ocean is committed to offering our community sustainable swaps for your everyday life with a focus on quality, affordability, and effectiveness. Including fun and unique products that make great gifts for yourself or loved ones!

Reducing your plastic use might seem daunting, but remember: every small step counts. So, why not take on the Plastic Free July challenge? Together, let’s create a sustainable future, one plastic-free day at a time. Happy Plastic Free July, everyone!