Plastic Free July 2022 – Make the pledge to cut back on plastic

Redbridge is backing ‘Plastic Free July’ and inviting local people to swap plastic items for greener alternatives as part of the month-long global campaign.

Running throughout July, the campaign led by the Plastic Free Foundation raises awareness of the toxic impact plastic pollution is having on ocean life and the environment, and encourages people to be part of the movement to reduce plastic waste.

Anyone can get involved by signing up and pledging to swap use of plastic items for eco-friendly alternatives on: www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/

To support residents Redbridge Council’s Neighbourhood Team are on hand to offer advice and information on going plastic free. Head to their stand at Fairlop Fair, Fairlop Waters, Saturday 2 July, 11am-6pm, for lots of plastic free tips, and grab a free reusable cloth bag while you’re there.

Once you have reduced your plastic waste as much as possible, try to recycle whatever is left. As part of its commitment to reducing waste in the borough, Redbridge Council now accepts more items than ever before as part of its weekly recycling collection including plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, with no limit on how much recycling you can put out for collection each week. Find out more about what can and can’t go in your recycling: www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/recycling-collection/

Redbridge Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman, said: “Plastic might be versatile and useful, but it’s also causing a massive plastic pollution problem, with vast quantities of it ending up in our oceans endangering marine life. It also takes a lot of energy and resources to produce leaving a big carbon footprint on the environment. The good news is that it’s something we can tackle together, starting with a few simple swaps and Plastic Free July is the perfect time to start, so make your pledge and get involved!”

By ‘pledging to swap’ you can help cut back on plastic waste in the borough and play a part in creating a cleaner and greener Redbridge. Here are some top tips to get you started:

• Single use plastic is one of the biggest offenders of plastic pollution. Swap single use plastic items such as disposable cutlery, straws or coffee cups for reusable ones that are a longer lasting alternative. For more tips on cutting back on single use plastic head to Redbridge Council’s website: redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/cut-out-single-use-plastic/
• Ditch plastic bottled water and opt for a reusable stainless steel bottle you can keep refilling for when you are on the go.
• Buying plastic-wrapped or packaged fruits and vegetables can be convenient, but unfortunately it creates plastic waste. Instead, buy loose fruit and vegetables and say bye to unnecessary packaging.
• Swapping balloons and other plastic party decorations for reusable and eco friendly alternatives is a great way to celebrate in style without harming the environment.
• Reusable and eco-friendly bags such as cloth bags are the way to go for a greener shop.

For more information on Plastic Free July, and further tips visit: www.plasticfreejuly.org/