Plastic Free July

This July, choose to refuse single-use plastics at home, work, school, restaurants, and the grocery store! Plastic Free July is a global movement started by the Plastic Free Foundation that encourages people to reduce single-use plastics and to be part of the solution to the growing plastic pollution problem—so we can have cleaner parks, streets, and healthier oceans and communities.

The Problem

Plastics can be harmful to humans and ecosystems. Studies have shown that exposure to certain plastic chemicals is linked to higher cancer risk and a higher risk of developmental issues in children. Plastics are particularly threatening to wildlife. Plastic does not biodegrade, but rather, breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics. Marine animals and birds confuse microplastics for food, leading to digestive issues, illness, and death. Microplastics ingested by fish and other animals can then migrate into the animal and human food chain.

The infamous North Pacific Garbage Patch, a 620,000 square-mile floating mass of plastic debris and particles accumulating in the Pacific Ocean, is a prime example of the global plastic pollution problem. The plastic containers, toys, toothbrushes, fishing nets, microplastics, and other various items floating in the monstrous patch (some of which have been there for decades) demonstrate that the production and use of plastics is an unsustainable practice that will remain a problem far into the future.

On land, plastic materials are filling up landfill space as well, where they will remain indefinitely. The inability of plastic to biodegrade makes it a problem forever. While plastic recycling programs have become more commonplace in the U.S. over the last few decades, scientists estimate that only around 9 percent of all the plastic waste generated globally is recycled. A large percentage of our plastic waste still ends up in a landfill or the environment. While recycling plastic is better than disposing of it in a landfill or littered in the environment, we cannot recycle our way out of this problem, so the best option is to reduce the use of plastic altogether whenever possible.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is that we can reduce the production and consumption of plastics, starting by phasing out single-use plastics. In October 2020, the Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously to ban the use, distribution and sale of polystyrene. Polystyrene is a type of plastic used to make a variety of products, such as take-out containers, cups, and packing peanuts, and is identified by the number 6 recycling symbol. Expanded polystyrene or EPS (commonly referred to by the brand name, Styrofoam™) easily breaks apart and redistributes itself on streets, freeways, beaches, and oceans. The ban’s purpose is to help prevent the negative environmental impacts on the community and join the ranks of other jurisdictions across the United States with similar bans on single-use disposable products. The ordinance took effect in January 2022.

But more can be done. Federal, state, and local governments can enact policies that encourage reusable and sustainable alternatives to plastics. This means incentivizing restaurants, for example, to switch from plastic straws and to-go containers to compostable alternatives. It seems like a small effort, but if done at scale, it can help put a dent in the plastic pollution problem.

What Can You Do?

During Plastic Free July and beyond, consider taking the following actions to reduce your use of plastics:

1. Swap out single-use plastic bags, bottles, and containers with durable reusable ones.
2. Refuse single-use items when they aren’t necessary and buy in bulk when possible.
3. Avoid products with excess plastic packaging. Fortunately, there are more sustainable packaging alternatives to polystyrene and other single-use plastics. For example, bioplastics derived from plant-based materials offer a viable alternative that is no less convenient than real plastic. Aluminum, cardboard, and bamboo can all be used to create to-go containers and utensils.
4. Seek out grocery stores and restaurants that allow you to bring your own reusable carryout containers. This option is a “win-win” – you and your favorite restaurant save money on wasteful containers, and you reduce the amount of waste heading to landfills or the environment.
5. If you have no choice but to use plastic, make sure you deposit the material in a recycling bin when you are done with it to ensure it is recycled accordingly and doesn’t end up polluting the environment.

Shifting to a plastic-free lifestyle takes a little effort, planning, and investment up front, but it’s better for the planet (and your wallet) long-term. If you would like to learn more about how you can reduce plastic use and embrace a plastic-free lifestyle, the Community Environmental Council (CEC) is hosting a free Plastic-Free Expo on Wednesday, June 25^th, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., at the CEC Environmental HUB located at 1219 State Street in Santa Barbara.

Click here to learn more about the Plastic Free July challenge.