Every July, millions of people around the world take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement that challenges us to rethink our plastic use. It’s not just about skipping a straw or bringing your own bag, it’s about making meaningful changes that reduce plastic waste in our daily lives and communities.

Started in Australia in 2011, Plastic Free July has grown into a worldwide campaign that empowers individuals and communities to say no to single-use plastics. The goal is simple: go plastic-free for the month of July (or longer) and discover how easy it can be to shift habits for good.

You don’t have to go zero-waste overnight. The idea is to start where you are. That might mean saying no to plastic straws, using a reusable water bottle, or switching to bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic bottles. Every small change counts and adds up.

How You Can Get Involved

Taking part in Plastic Free July is easier than you might think. Start with the basics:

Refuse the top single-use offenders: plastic bags, bottles, takeaway cups, and straws.
Make smart swaps: carry your own reusable cutlery and straws, use a refillable water bottle, and choose unpackaged produce.
Support reuse and refill: shop at stores that offer bulk options or refill stations, and look for products in reusable or compostable packaging.

You can also take your commitment a step further: talk to friends and family, organize a clean-up, or join a local event. Need inspiration or ideas? The official Plastic Free July site has tons of resources to help you get started: plasticfreejuly.org.

Why This Matters for Canadians

Here in Canada, we produce over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year and less than 10% of it gets recycled. The rest? It ends up in landfills, incinerators, and worse, in our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Microplastics have now been found in all major Canadian water bodies, including Lake Ontario. That means our fish, our drinking water, and even our own bodies are being exposed to plastic pollution. Research shows plastic is making its way into the food chain and it’s raising serious concerns about long-term health impacts, from reproductive issues to cardiovascular risks.

Beyond health and environmental concerns, plastic pollution is an economic issue too. Much of our packaging is imported, used briefly, and discarded. By moving toward systems of reuse, refill, and repair, we not only reduce waste but we also support local jobs and help families save money.

Let’s Turn the Tide!

This Plastic Free July, we invite you to join us in taking action. Take the Plastic Free July pledge today.

Together, we can make choices that protect our waters, support our communities, and lead us toward a plastic-free future, one step at a time.

Join us for a guided watershed walk at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto on Saturday, July 12.
Register for free now: Adult Walk | Family Walk.