Plastic Free July: small steps make a big difference

Published on 01 July 2024

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Plastic Free July is an annual global initiative to reconsider our use of single-use plastics and to take steps to reduce plastic waste. Together, every small step to avoid single-use plastic adds up to make a big difference!

Reducing plastic waste helps protect our oceans, avoids waste to landfill and reduces potential harm to human health.

Being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever. Join millions around the globe taking steps to end plastic pollution, by choosing to refuse single-use plastics this July.

Here are some ideas you can use this July to avoid your plastic waste:

  • Attend Council’s inspiring Plastic Free July workshops:
    • Beeswax Wraps making class: Learn how to make your own Beeswax Wraps and avoid plastic wrap to keep your food fresh on Saturday 6 July 2024.
    • Plastic Free talk: Discover how to replace single-use plastics with various alternatives at home for more sustainable living on Wednesday 24 July 2024.
  • Too busy to get to the workshops? Or not sure where to start? Take the five minute Pesky Plastics Quiz to find out what single-use plastics you want to avoid and inspire yourself with the 31 Days calendar by Taking the Plastic Free July challenge. 
  • For any remaining plastic waste, book a free RecycleSmart collection service to recycle instead of sending them to landfill. RecycleSmart collects:
    • Soft plastics (bags and packaging) 
    • Polystyrene (white only)
    • Blister packs
    • Plastic bread tags

Let’s start with small steps to reduce plastic waste this July and make a real impact on our environment and Ryde community!