You’ll never realize how much plastic you consume until you take the challenge to participate in Plastic-Free July. As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s an excellent time to reflect on our personal sustainability goals and prepare for a lower waste lifestyle in 2025 that closes our own intention-action gaps. Just like Dry January or Sober October, Plastic-Free July is a period dedicated to making significant lifestyle changes. However, unlike these other challenges, the focus here is on reducing our greater plastic footprint—a critical issue given the current state of global plastic pollution across oceans all over the world. 

Plastic-Free July is an annual challenge that encourages people to reduce their single-use plastic waste, highlighting the excessive amount of single-use plastic we unknowingly consume daily and irresponsibly discard. This initiative is not just a month-long effort but a step towards a lifelong commitment to circularity. Participating in Plastic-Free July involves making conscious choices (or what often feels like annoying requests) on a daily basis to eliminate single-use plastic in all areas of life, whether at home, at work, or while traveling.

It’s no secret that plastic pollution is a significant threat to our oceans and marine life. Several brands and organizations are leading the way in reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting recycling and reuse. These efforts–innovations, activations, and initiatives– are essential to keep our oceans clean and preserve marine ecosystems.