Plastic Free July! by Julie Peller, Ph.D.

Green Junction

               

The organization Plastic Free Foundation initiated a campaign in 2011 called Plastic Free July that spread internationally.  “Our movement has inspired 100+ million participants in 190 countries. Individuals making small changes will collectively make a massive difference to our communities. You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July (and beyond!). Best of all, being part of Plastic Free July will help you to find great alternatives that can become new habits forever.” 

                Our overuse of plastics, especially those intended for single use, has created a massive waste problem with increasing environmental and health implications. These plastic materials have been part of humanity for a short span of time yet have led to an unprecedented amount of untenable garbage. The best solutions moving forward are reduction and elimination. What types of single-use plastics can you eliminate from your lifestyle? Which ones can you reduce? 

                Plastic Free Foundation’s suggestions for the 2024 Plastic Free July Campaign are considered small steps toward a big difference. They suggest replacing commonly used disposable plastics by 1) refilling reusable water bottles, 2) using reusable cups (say no to disposable plastic cups or plastic-lined cups), and 3) switching from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps. 

                There are numerous ways to participate in Plastic Free July and become part of the solutions to plastic waste. One suggestion is to take time to learn more about the plastic problem by watching documentaries. I highly recommend The Story of Plastic, which is available through Prime Video. Other information sources include websites and materials from nonprofits such as the Plastic Pollution Coalition and articles and books on the plastic conundrum. Knowledge motivates. Another suggestion is to participate in events and organizations that are working on solutions. (Or, create your own event/organization.) In Northwest Indiana, the Plastic Reduction Alliance of NWI is underway and encouraging participation from all interested!

“Ponder how you can make the world a more compassionate place for all living beings.” Elizabeth A. Johnson in Come, Have Breakfast.

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University ). She has been writing a weekly column called The Green Junction for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action forward. Her Research Interests are advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, Lake Michigan shoreline challenges (Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.