As we approach the end of Plastic Free July, it's a great time to reflect on our daily habits and make more eco-friendly choices.
Plastic Free July is a global effort that started in Australia in 2011 and has now become a worldwide movement. Every year, millions of people join in to raise awareness about the negative impact of single-use plastics on our environment.
To start tackling plastic pollution, we need to use less single-use plastic. By choosing to cut down on plastic, we can greatly reduce the waste we create. Reusing items helps them last longer and lowers the need for new plastic.
Reusing items extends their life cycle, reducing the demand for new plastic. One of the easiest yet most impactful changes you can make is switching to a reusable water bottle.
Here are several reasons why making this switch is good for you and the planet:
“Turn off the tap” on plastic pollution
Single-use plastic bottles are one of the major contributors to plastic pollution. Every year, millions of plastic bottles end up in rivers, oceans and are washed up on beaches. Here they take hundreds of years to decompose, and form microplastics. Microplastics are easily ingested by wildlife and can gather in the food chain, posing potential health risks to animals and humans.
By opting for a reusable water bottle, you can significantly reduce the number of plastic bottles that end up polluting our planet. Each refill is a step towards cleaner rivers, oceans, and landscapes.
Saving you money
Buying bottled water regularly can add up quickly. A single bottle of water might not seem expensive, but over time, the cost can be substantial. By switching to a reusable water bottle, you can save a considerable amount of money. Fill your bottle from the tap, and you’ll notice the savings accumulate. If you’re out and about, check out the Refill app to find places to refill your water bottle and more!
TOP TIP: Save water by filling up your reusable water bottle and store it in the fridge when you’re not using it, rather than running the tap until it goes cold. Discover more water saving tips.
Convenience and durability
Reusable water bottles are designed to be durable and convenient. Unlike flimsy single-use bottles, reusable bottles are built to withstand daily wear and tear. Many come with features such as insulated walls to keep your water cold, spill-proof caps, and easy-to-carry designs.
Whether you’re at the gym, in the office, or enjoying your local chalk stream, a reusable water bottle is a reliable companion. Staying hydrated is essential for your health, and having a reusable bottle on hand makes it easier to drink water throughout the day.
Switching to a reusable water bottle is an easy but important way to cut down on plastic waste and stop tiny plastic pieces, called microplastics, from forming. These microplastics harm animals and the environment and can end up in our food and water, which is bad for us and future generations.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are hard to see. They come from larger plastic items breaking down and can be found in our rivers, streams, and oceans. The smaller the microplastics are, the more likely fish and other sea animals will eat them, which can then lead to these microplastics ending up in our food.
Plastic pollution harms the variety of plants and animals that keep our ecosystems healthy. By using less plastic, we can help protect these important species and keep our environment balanced.
Reduce, Reuse, Refill, and Repeat
To effectively fight plastic pollution, we need to change our habits and follow the "reduce, reuse, refill, and repeat" mindset. By always choosing reusable items and using less single-use plastic, we can make a significant impact on the health of our planet.
Our commitment at Affinity Water
We’re encouraging employees, consumers, and stakeholders to recycle more while raising awareness of using water in a smart and sustainable way.
This year for Plastic Free July, we focused on some fun activities at work. We gave a bigger discount to staff who used a reusable coffee cup. We also checked how much plastic we use in the office to find ways to cut down. Plus, we had a lunchtime movie showing about going plastic-free.
Join millions around the world in making a difference. Let’s turn small steps into big changes and beat plastic pollution, one choice at a time.
To find out more about the campaign, visit plasticfreejuly.org