Plastic Free July
Posted on June 30th, 2022
Plastic Free July is a global movement that promotes and encourages people to be part of the solution to plastic pollution and try new behaviors to reduce plastic use and waste. Plastic Free July is a great opportunity for students to learn more about single-use plastics, the threats they pose to our animals and water ways, and alternatives that can be used.
At least 14 million tons of plastic enters our oceans EACH YEAR with 2.4 million tons of plastic entering the ocean via our rivers!
Single-use plastics are made primarily from fossil fuel-based chemicals and are meant to be disposed of straight after use eg water bottles, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, plastic and Styrofoam takeaway containers. Theses plastics are the largest contributor to pollution of our waterways and oceans.
5 reasons to decline single-use plastic
- It’s made from fossil fuels, using energy and water to produce heat.
- It will still be here in hundreds of years. We only recycle a small percentage.
- It pollutes our waterways and oceans.
- It kills wildlife.
- It enters the food chain
Great Teaching Resources
- Plastic Free July has an abundance of resources and activities for your school to join in this month
- WWF has created this free downloadable lesson plan with activities for lower primary which explores the relationship between oceans and plastics and the impacts plastics have on our ecosystems.
- Explore these single-use plastics resources including lessons, activities and work sheets
- Take 3 has created a Microplastics Monitoring Manual suitable for year 11 & 12 students
- Discover how microplastics are polluting our soil with this interesting article.
Act Now
Find out how you can get involved in Plastic Free July here
Take the Challenge for Plastic Free July
Social Media plays a significant role in encouraging participation. Be sure to share your Plastic Free July activities using these suggested hashtags: #PlasticFreeJuly #SayNoToSingleUsePlastics #BePartOfTheSolution #Environment #Sustainability #TakeAction
