PLASTIC FREE JULY
The challenge is quite simple. Attempt to consume no single-use plastic during July.
"Single-use" includes plastic shopping bags, plastic cups, straws, plastic packaging...basically anything that's intended only to be used once and then sent to landfill. If refusing ALL single-use plastic sounds too daunting this time, try the TOP 4 challenge (straws, plastic bags, plastic bottles &coffee cup lids).
Attempt to consume no single-use plastic during July.
Remember it's not going to be easy! It is a challenge, not a competition so don't worry about being perfect. Resources for plastic-free living can be found on the Plastic Free July website here: http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/living-plastic-free.html
Collect any unavoidable single-use plastic you buy.
- Register on the website Plastic Free July and update your progress as you go.
Why you should participate
Plastic, in many areas of the world, has become a significant and deadly part of the food chain. Humans have a heavy reliance on the plastics industry; it's a cheap product that is incredibly versatile. Plastics manufacturing and use has grown exponentially over the last decade, as has our plastic waste. 225 million tonnes of plastic is produced each year and unfortunately a significant amount of that ends up in our oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch has a huge amount of plastic waste which has a detrimental effect on marine life.
Why use something for a few seconds that is going to spend the rest of your life trying to break down in landfill? We really need to change our habits.
Check here for how to dispose of old computers and other e-waste: http://www.eday.org.nz/what-is-ewaste/how-to-dispose-of-computers.html
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