Plastic Free July® is recognised globally as an annual month of global change, where individuals, businesses and governments come together to take action to reduce plastic waste. By sharing ideas, positive actions and stories of change, Plastic Free July helps people and organisations “choose to refuse” single-use plastic every day.

Every small step we take to avoid single-use plastic can make a big difference towards: 

• protecting the ocean  
• reducing consumption and production and avoiding landfill waste  
• reducing human health impacts  
• connecting communities and driving systemic change
• keeping soft plastics out of recycling and FOGO bins.

As a Council Member, we are actively involved in supporting our community to choose to refuse single-use plastics directly as well as pledging to make a difference by:

• delivering a range of plastic-free events through our Sustainable Living Program
• hosting a Plastic Free Forum with Plastic Free July founder, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz
• sharing Plastic Free Events Guidelines for food and beverage vendors and event organisers in Whitehorse
• ongoing education to schools, businesses and the community
• supporting businesses, the community and Council to comply with the single-use plastic ban.

Together, we can all do our part to help end plastic waste and alleviate the recycling crisis, reduce landfill waste, and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Plastic Free July challenge provides resources and ideas to help participants (millions around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and in the community. Over the last 5 years, participants have collectively avoided 10 billion kilograms of waste!

Getting started is as easy as choosing one single-use plastic item to avoid or swap for a reusable alternative. 

How to get involved in six easy steps

1. Register for the challenge. Participants receive weekly tips to help them to keep motivated, and enjoy stories from others around the world who are reducing plastic waste
2. Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz to find what plastics you can change
3. Watch the one-minute animation to get started or browse these popular ideas to reduce plastics
4. Download some posters and to share at work or the local café 
5. Read inspiring stories of what others do
6. Register for an event, either online or in person

For more information and free resources, head to the Plastic Free July website to get inspiration and support, and to share your tips, ideas and experiences.