Plastic Free July is an initiative that was started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Western Australia. It is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their use of single-use plastics during the month of July.
The main goals of Plastic Free July are:
- To raise awareness about the problem of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment.
- To encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to make changes in their daily lives to reduce their plastic consumption.
- To provide resources and support to help people adopt more sustainable practices.
During Plastic Free July, participants are challenged to refuse single-use plastics such as plastic bags, bottles, straws, food packaging, and other disposable items. The campaign encourages people to make simple swaps, such as using reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers.
On the 12th of July 2024, Black Crystal Consulting, along with other stakeholders such as the Environmental Management Agency, Miracle Missions, Zimbabwe Sunshine Group, the Greening Kuwadzana initiative, and many other interested individuals, took to the streets of Harare to spread awareness about Plastic Free July to the citizens of Harare and encourage them to reduce their use of plastic, particularly single-use plastic. Shown in the picture above is Tariri Maisiri from Black Crystal having a conversation on single use plastic with a bypasser in the Harare CBD. It was quite a great turnout, and many good conversations were had on that day.
All throughout the month of July, Black Crystal Consulting took part in many radio show presentations with several radio shows such as ZiFM and Capitalk FM where interesting discussions were had around the topic of Plastic Free July. In the picture above, Rumbidzai Takawira from ZiFM interviewed a panel consisting of Mazviita Hakaperi from Black Crystal,Sharon Hook from Miracle Missions and Claire Arkwright from Sustainable Africa. The discussion consisted of the origins of plastic, why the use of plastic affects the environment, and how the citizens of Harare can participate in Plastic Free July.
The premise of Plastic Free July is simple – participants pledge to refuse common disposable plastic items like bags, bottles, straws, food containers, and packaging for the duration of the month. The Plastic Free Foundation provides a wealth of resources to help people make the switch, including tips, challenges, and a supportive global community. Over the years, the initiative has grown exponentially, with millions of people from over 177 countries now taking part each year.
The benefits of Plastic Free July go beyond just the month itself. Many participants find that the experience leads to lasting changes in their habits and mindsets, as they continue to seek out alternatives to single-use plastics long after July has ended. This collective action also has tangible environmental impacts, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and natural environments.
Whether someone takes on the full “Plastic Free Challenge” or just makes a few simple swaps, Plastic Free July empowers people to be part of the solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. By mobilizing individuals, businesses, and communities around the world, the campaign demonstrates the power of grassroots action to drive meaningful change.
What did you do this July? What do you think you can be doing to make the world a better place in the case of banning single-use plastic and promoting a more sustainable way of thinking?
