Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, meaning cleaner oceans but also benefitting our local environments with cleaner streets and rivers.

What is Plastic Free July?

Founded by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in Australia back in 2011, the movement has inspired over 120 million participants in 177 countries to take part in a month-long challenge to choose to refuse single-use plastics. The initiative encourages individuals to make small changes to their normal routine which collectively could make a huge difference to our planet and stop the unnecessary consumption of plastics.

Changing our habits surrounding plastic

Prince-Ruiz realised that not using plastics for an entire month is almost impossible for everyday life and instead set about asking people to cut down the amount they use, reducing where possible and improving awareness of recycling practices, forming habits throughout the month which could last a lifetime.

The challenge is run by a non-profit organisation called The Plastic Free Foundation, its long-term aim to “kick-start long-lasting solutions and influence business and governments to take action” which will in turn improve their approach to environmental issues in a number of areas, including recycling. The campaign also hopes to target businesses by providing support and education around the issue, helping them move towards a circular economy by promoting the reuse of materials and urging producers to take more responsibility over single use products end-of-life.

Here at La Pochette we applaud the Plastic Free July movement which echoes our values and matches our outlook on living our lives more sustainably. Simple swaps which cut down on single-use plastics are what we are all about whether its at work, play or travel. We just make sure you look stylish whilst doing it!

Take the Plastic Free at www.plasticfreejuly.org and follow @plasticfreejuly for tips and tricks throughout the month.