Plastic Free July – What is our community doing?
Did you know, according to businesswaste.co.uk the world produces about 430 million tonnes of plastic waste annually? This includes everything from empty drinks bottles and carrier bags, to old items of furniture and industrial fishing nets. Sadly, irresponsible disposal means lots of plastic ends up in our oceans, rivers, and lakes, which seriously harms the environment.
So, during the second week of Plastic Free July, we’ve been busy thinking about ways which we can help reduce our plastic waste both in the workplace and at home. What pledges have been made across our community? Read on and be inspired to make one small pledge…
Oxford City Farm
“At Oxford City Farm whilst we’re not completely plastic-free, we re-use plastic Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s), donated to us by local farmers for our rain water harvest system. Each one holds approximately 55kg of water and it means that the farm doesn’t have to rely solely on the water mains to water our plant beds and polytunnels.
At our produce stall on Saturdays, we encourage shoppers to bring their own bags to put their produce in and provide paper bags for use. We also provide small plastic bags for use for salad and tomatoes specifically, and we have seen customers often reuse these, which is great!”
Sophie Robinson, Marketing Specialist at Oxford Food Hub
“One of the biggest changes I’ve made at home in a bid to reduce my plastic waste is swapping products in the bathroom. From investing in an electric toothbrush, to picking up soaps, shampoo and conditioner bars instead of bottles (which I used to buy weekly), I’ve tried to make sensible swaps. With one of the main culprits of plastic waste being packaging, reducing my personal use will hopefully make a bigger difference over time.
I’ve also invested in a reusable BPA-free coffee cup, perfect for on the go drinks. Most coffee shops also give you a discount for taking your own mug – a win/win for my budget and the planet!”
Ark-T Centre Oxford, one of our charity partners
“This month, we’re challenging ourselves to reduce our plastic use, find new ways to reuse, and make sure every bit gets recycled. Got a knack for transforming recycled materials into amazing creations? We’d love for you to share your inspiring ideas with visitors in our Welcome Space!”
Susie Brand @susiebrand, Oxford Food Hub Trustee, via Instagram
“I use my local refill shop so I can reduce plastic and support local businesses at the same time”.
Cherwell Collective, No Waste Noel Christmas Market
Cherwell Collective’s annual festive eco-market, designed to make sustainable, low-waste living accessible during the holiday season. The market features local eco-vendors, a community gift swap, and delicious surplus food from Climatarian Kitchen, all without single-use plastics. The event brings people together to celebrate the festive season consciously, being mindful about not using single use plastic materials that would pile up landfills.
Not sure of what changes you can make, or feeling inspired to make a change? The official Plastic Free July website has created a ‘Pesky Plastics’ quiz, which takes 5 minutes and guides you to small changes you can make.
Interested in making changes to your plastic consumption? Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz!
