It's the beginning of June, and winter has begun in earnest. It's time to think about the global movement that has inspired more than 250 million people to give up plastic for a month: Plastic Free July.

What is Plastic Free July?

By giving up plastic for a month, you can reduce your annual plastic use and even develop ways to use less plastic in future. Plastic Free July is a way for millions of people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution – for 'cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities', according to the website. The organisation provides resources and ideas to help you reduce single-use plastic waste wherever you are.

Think about it. Why would you make something that you're going to use for a few minutes out of a material that's basically going to last forever, and you're just going to throw it away. What's up with that?

--Jeb Berrier, Bagit movie, Plastic Free July website

Plastic Free for Individuals

We can all reduce our plastic consumption if we try. Here are a few ways that individuals can take steps to reduce their waste – whether for a month, or beyond.

• Takeaway coffee cups (BYO reusable cup!)
• Fruit and vegetables (buy loose produce and avoid packaged groceries)
• Single-use shopping bags (again, BYO)
• Plastic straws (BYO or simply refuse – most of us don't need them)
• Disposable water bottles (BYO … seeing a pattern here?)
• At the bakery (plan ahead to avoid pre-packed bread and baked goods. Find a bakery that will cater for your plastic-free goals)
• Meat, fish, and deli (avoid the plastic trays used for these items. Find a butcher or a local producer that you can buy from without plastic)
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle (if you must use plastic, at least dispose of it properly)

Plastic Free for Businesses

Your Plastic Free July pledge doesn't have to be confined to your home - why not take it to work and try to make a broader difference? Own a business and want to give Plastic Free July a go at work not just at home? Read below for a few tips on how to make it work.

• Staff and customers (share the message and get others on board. The more people who take the challenge, the more impact we will make)
• Packaging (work out what your biggest source of plastic packaging is, and take steps to reduce or eliminate it)
• Foodservice items (make an effort to serve food without single-use plastic)

How We Can Help

BioPak compostable packaging can help you reduce your plastic intake while still providing a takeaway service. Our compostable packaging can help you transition away from single-use, oil-based plastics. We provide coffee cups, foodservice packaging, cutlery, straws, serviettes, compost bins … you name it. By replacing traditional plastics with plant-based alternatives, you can still provide a quality take-away service without any harm to the planet. Switching to planet friendly packaging also allows you to divert organic waste (food waste as well as plant-based packaging) from landfill and reduce your carbon footprint.

See here to learn about the link between single-use plastics and carbon emissions.  Information taken from Plastic Free July. Read about being plastic-free after COVID-19 and how recycling doesn't make using plastic ok, on our blog.

Planet Friendly Packaging acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by COVID-19. Stay safe.