Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July is back, encouraging people to reduce their use of single-use plastics and make small changes that can have a lasting impact on the environment. 

The global campaign inspires millions of people to take the pledge to reduce plastic waste through simple everyday actions at home, work, school and in their communities. By choosing reusable alternatives and avoiding unnecessary single-use plastics, we can all help create cleaner streets, greener parks and healthier rivers. 

Take the Plastic Free July challenge 

Taking part doesn't have to mean making huge lifestyle changes. Simply choose one item to replace with a reusable alternative and see if you can stick with it throughout July and beyond. 

Popular swaps include: 

• carrying a reusable water bottle
• bringing a reusable coffee cup
• using reusable shopping bags
• refusing plastic cutlery and straws
• taking lunch in reusable containers
• choosing loose fruit and vegetables where possible
• visiting a local repair café instead of buying new 

These small changes can quickly become long-term habits that reduce waste and help protect the environment. 

Let's talk rubbish 

How about taking a closer look at the plastics you throw away? Could any of them be reused or recycled? Find out which plastics can be turned into new products and kept out of landfill. 

Check out the Surrey Zero Waste Map to find locations across Surrey where you can reduce waste, reuse or repair items, and recycle more. 

More information 

Find out how we deal with plastics locally on the Sustainable Elmbridge web pages, from sharing recycling tips with residents to embedding plastic-free practices in our procurement process and encouraging businesses and community groups to go plastic free. 

For more tips this Plastic Free July, visit Plastic Free July .