How to take on Plastic Free July

It’s estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used in the UK every year. According to Greenpeace, that’s more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world.  

Even worse, just 10% of everyday plastic (like food packaging) actually gets recycled in the UK. As there’s still so much single-use plastic being produced, large amounts are being burnt or dumped in other countries.  

While reducing our plastic use is something we should be thinking about all year round, Plastic Free July is a great way of building good habits and supercharging your efforts to go green.  

So, why not accept the challenge and join us in taking on Plastic Free July?

Never heard of PFJ before? Here’s everything you need to know, including how you can get involved...

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July is a global movement created by the Plastic Free Foundation. Their mission is to help millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution.  

Every July, they encourage people around the world to ditch single-use plastics and find sustainable alternatives.  

They provide resources and ideas to help people reduce single-use plastic waste, whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about.  

So far, over 100 million people have taken part over 190 countries! Want to take on the challenge? Keep reading...

How can I take part in Plastic Free July?

Sign-up and go plastic free!

Sign-up for Plastic Free July  and choose to refuse single-use plastics for the whole month (and beyond). Our blended Confido X Jobs For Good team will be taking up the challenge! Keep an eye on our social channels to see how we get on.  

An easy way to get started is thinking about sustainable swaps you can make, like:  

• Getting a reusable coffee cup and water bottle  
• Buying fruit and veggies that aren’t wrapped in plastic  
• Taking reusable shopping bags to the supermarket  
• Switching plastic straws with metal ones  
• Make sure you’re separating your recycling properly  

Take a look at Plastic Free July’s resource hub to find more tips!  

As well as checking out the amazing resources on their website, by signing up you’ll receive emails from the Plastic Free July team to help keep you motivated.

Inspire others to sign-up

Spread the word and get your friends, family and colleagues involved!  

One suggestion the Plastic Free July team has is to throw your own Plastic Free Morning Tea. They say,

“People who host their own Plastic Free Morning Tea at work, home or out in the community find it’s a great way to inspire colleagues, family and friends. It’s a tangible and delicious way to get others involved and start having conversations around plastic free ideas, sharing solutions and making a real difference together.”

Join or plan an event in your community  

Interested in joining a Plastic Free July event in your community? Use this map to search for events at your local school, council or community hub.

You can also add any events you plan to the map to encourage people to join!  

Make a donation

Donations help the Plastic Free Foundation support organisations and people around the world taking the Plastic Free July challenge and create a world without plastic waste.

Learn more about making a donation, here.  

Will you take on Plastic Free July with us? Let us know on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – we’d love to hear from you.