This July Bid Adieu to Plastic- Plastic-Free July

According to its website, “Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.” It is a part of a challenge, where people are asked to not use plastic for a single month.

We, at Spreading Bliss, are admirers of this initiative and would like to encourage you to be a participant in this month as well.

The biggest crime committed by plastic is that it takes hundreds of years to decompose. All plastic materials that have been manufactured are still somewhere in the environment, that’s the scale we are dealing with.

It doesn’t help that every year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic enters the aquatic environment. Microplastics are also becoming a problem, as they are everywhere from the food you eat to the soil you step on.

Here is how you can participate in Plastic-Free July.

Plastic Bags are used in everyday life by almost everyone, you can start by making a change in your daily life. Instead of asking shopkeepers for a plastic bag, carry your own cloth or jute bag to carry the items. Also, try to use reusable bags for garbage.

Plastic bottles and straws are also a hindrance. Many companies are moving away from plastic straws and opting for paper straws. If you are an owner of a restaurant, then switch to paper straws. You also need to stop buying plastic bottles. Use boiled water retrieved from natural sources.

If you have already inculcated these habits in your daily life and wish to do more this month. You can start educating people around you. If you are working in an office, try to invite a person who will explain the dangers of plastic pollution. Share infographics on social media that will inform your network.

You can also volunteer at your local beach clean-up organisation to help clean the beaches which are most affected by plastic pollution. They are always welcome to extra hand and your efforts might be more beneficial.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Make sure to share it with all your friends and family members. Do keep checking out this space for more weekly blogs in the future.