What does Plastic Free July mean for your business?

Plastic Free July (PFJ) provides you with an ideal opportunity to raise awareness and engage with stakeholders about ways to address one of our most pressing environmental issues.

Set up by Western Australia’s Plastic Free Foundation in 2011, Plastic Free July is now one of the most influential environmental global campaigns. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution, and to inspire individuals and companies to make more sustainable choices. Its mission is informed by the foundation’s core values of integrity, authenticity, and the belief that small changes made collectively add up to make a big difference. 

Over the last five years, participants have collectively avoided 10 billion kgs of waste, including 1.4 billion kgs of plastic – more than the world’s biggest cleanup efforts combined. 

Why should companies reduce plastic use?

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 800 marine and coastal species are affected by pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and other dangers, while around 11 million tonnes of plastic waste flow each year into the world’s oceans. Businesses have a key role to play in reducing production and consumption whilst embracing the circular economy to keep more resources in the value chain. This also has positive benefits for businesses as circular economy principles lead to innovation, good governance and more efficient operational practices; all of which are good for the bottom line as well as for people and planet.

More companies are recognising the value of reducing plastic consumption, including reducing their carbon footprint and meeting the demands of more environmentally-conscious customers, regulators and supply chains. Plastic Free July offers an opportunity to explore more sustainable alternatives and use innovation to gain competitive advantage.

How can I participate?

As a business you can use Plastic Free July as a way of raising awareness across your organisation and make more responsible choices. Top tips include:

• Spreading the word – Display Plastic Free July information across your premises to share the plastic free message and empower people to do the right thing. Use it as an opportunity to educate people about the environmental impact of single use plastics.
• Packaging – Revisit your procurement policies and work with suppliers to reduce the use of plastic packaging. For example, you could replace plastic pallet wraps with recyclable cardboard and use shredded paper rather than bubble wrap.
• Changing behaviors – Whether it be your work canteen, client meeting or corporate event, be proud of displaying your plastic free credentials. Opt for reusable cups, plates and cutlery. You can even provide staff with access to drinking water and their own reusable bottle.
• Embrace recycling – Provide access to recycling bins and use  waste management services that divert plastic from landfill.

The best way to tackle the issue of plastics is to do so as part of a wider sustainability strategy. Plastic Free July is an ideal time to focus efforts and demonstrate your ESG commitment. At Wylde Connections we work with businesses of all sizes to embed sustainable practice. Put plastic waste reduction at the heart of your sustainability strategy. Book a Discovery Call today and talk to Wylde about how we can support you on your journey.