Use this month to devote more time and energy toward the reduction of plastic waste.
The month of July has been set aside as a time to reflect and act on the problem of plastic pollution. It’s estimated that the United States has generated 44 million metric tons of plastic waste to date. Plastic Free July® addresses this issue as a global movement that works to be part of the solution.
In celebration of Plastic Free July, ABCO Cleaning Products, a manufacturer of sustainable cleaning tools, recently shared the following tips to help reduce plastic waste at your facility.
“Each of us plays a vital role in lowering plastic waste,” said Carlos Albir, ABCO president, “so we encourage all business leaders to make impactful changes to help our planet.”
In another effort to reduce waste, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) launched two new online guides this July that can help consumers better understand how to recycle cleaning product packaging. Both are a part of ACI’s sustainability initiative to make all cleaning product packaging “circular.”
The first educates consumers on what to know when recycling different containers and how to find information on local recycling programs through resources like How2Recycle.Info. It also emphasizes the role curbside recycling plays in overall cleaning product sustainability.
The second deals specifically with recycling cleaning product packaging in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format.
“Cleaning products need to be safely transported and stored. Packaging helps make that happen, but that doesn’t necessitate waste,” said Nathan Sell, ACI senior director of sustainability. “We all need to do our part to keep recyclable materials out of the landfill and in the loop.”
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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, single-use plastics are the largest subset of plastics found in landfills and are among the most challenging to recycle. Plastic production accounts for more than 3% of total U.S. energy consumption and uses roughly the same amount of oil around the world as does the aviation industry. Yet, less than 10% of plastics are currently recycled, and most of those plastics are “downcycled,” or repurposed into low-value products.
Plastic Free July® is a global movement that uses the month of July to annually help millions of people take an active role in solving the problem of plastic pollution, with a special focus on eliminating single-use plastics.
A key initiative of the Plastic Free Foundation, the event began in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in Western Australia. According to the Plastic Free July website, a 2021 IPSOS survey estimated that 140 million people from 190 countries took part in the award-winning campaign.
As a result of Plastic Free July, participants have reduced their waste yearly by 3.5% and 86% have made permanent positive changes in their habits and lifestyle regarding plastic waste.
“Ending plastic pollution has never been more of a focus,” said Prince-Ruiz, now the foundation’s executive director. “By focusing on avoidance, Plastic Free July offers everyone, wherever they live, a way to make a difference and stop plastic pollution from leaking into the environment and impacting communities. Together, we have already avoided 2.1 million tons of plastic waste, including millions of single-use drink bottles, coffee cups, packaging, straws, and plastic bags.”
As part of their 2022 challenge, Plastic Free July has launched new resources for individuals, schools, and businesses. These include a free school program to help school staff and facilitators get involved, and a corporate membership that, for a nominal fee, helps businesses fully participate through provided tools.
For more information about Plastic Free July and the Plastic Free Foundation, visit www.plasticfreejuly.org.
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