Plastic Free July – what will you do?

Could you reduce the amount of single-use plastic you use and dispose of in just one month? Plastic Free July takes place next month, this initiative has the goal of helping people identify their plastic use and come up with strategies for reduction.

2018 really has been a momentous year when it comes to plastic; there has been an increased awareness of the impact of plastic, and everyone from the Queen to our own Colleges and University Catering Service have been doing their bit to eliminate single use plastics. The University Catering Service (UCS) in particular have gone one step beyond, they have taken significant steps to eliminate all single-use plastics from their outlets!

In just a few months the tide seems to be turning on this important issue, but there is still a long way to go, and you can pledge to do your bit next month.

Reduce plastic use where you work

Not sure where to start? Here are just a few suggestions for how you can reduce plastics where you work:

• Provide glasses at water refill stations instead of plastic cups.
• Use a large jug of water and glasses at meetings instead of buying individual water bottles.
• Consider reusable alternatives such as beeswax wraps to wrap your lunch in.
• Use a refillable water bottle.
• Use a refillable Keepcup. These can be purchased at UCS outlets or you can reuse your own ceramic mug. Each time you use your own cup in UCS outlets you will receive a discount.
• Say no to straws
• Carry a reusable shopping bag

We would love to hear from you during the month and we will be sharing our own challenges in reducing plastic on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

If you would like to run an event in your department focused on plastics, please get in touch.