Join the movement to reduce plastic waste

Plastic continues to play a role in our lives, often finding its way into our routines in the form of single-use choices. A lot of us know that plastics are in some way problematic, whether it’s plastic bags and straws ending up in the ocean, or microplastics entering the food chain. However, we are still consuming more plastic than is sustainable. So, the campaign to reduce plastic waste continues!

What does this look like in 2026? Fifteen years ago, a small group in Western Australia started a campaign called Plastic Free July to encourage people to reduce plastic waste. It is now a global movement, with an incredible 174 million participants globally, the largest plastic waste avoidance campaign on the planet. It is not about avoiding every kind of plastic for an entire month. Plastic Free July asks you to choose one thing to do, or not do, to reduce your plastic waste during July. The challenge can be taken up by all ages, and can be as challenging as you make it. 

We encourage you to ask yourself: what’s a habit of mine that I know creates plastic waste? Is there a plastic product I use which I know is unnecessary? Am I the only one of my friends or family still using single use plastic bottles? Or should I be the first to make the switch? Most importantly, no matter the extent of your current efforts, how can I explore one small change this month? 

This year, Plastic Free July is counting on people like you to ask yourself these questions and help them reach a new world record for plastic-free pledges. A record high would demonstrate that more people than ever care about limiting their plastic waste. We can prove that the momentum and support for reducing plastic waste is stronger than ever! Now is the time to jump on board. Just one change, for one month. 

The Plastic Free July website offers several suggestions; take a look at the 2026 calendar. You can also upload your pledge through the website and check out how others are taking part! 

Here are a few tips: 

• Think about sitting down to enjoy your coffee at the café instead of rushing away with a takeaway cup. Alternatively, take your own mug or KeepCup for a refill. This is a simple and incredibly effective switch.
• Make a pledge as a pair or a group – choose something relevant to all of you and keep each other accountable! 
• If you are someone who already avoids a lot of plastics, what’s something you haven’t tried? Please help to recruit people to the pledge page, share your expert tips with others! 
• Making changes can be intimidating, especially when it involves others, like asking to use a reusable cup for your takeaway coffee or refusing a bag. Remember that these choices are becoming the norm and businesses are often happy to be a part of it. Take the leap. Others will follow!