Popular ideas for safely using reusable items

Reusable produce bags

Reusable bags have become a global norm that is spilling over into choosing to refuse plastic produce bags for fresh fruit and vegetables. We now put our reusable produce and shopping bags in with their regular clothes washing to keep them in good order.

Great news from the World Health Organization finding there’s no evidence to date of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses being transmitted via food or food packaging. The WHO simply recommends regular food safety measures, including washing your hands with soap and water for at least 40-60 seconds before food preparation.

Reusable straws and coffee cups are still the ‘go’

So many Plastic Free July participants are refusing to use plastic straws and takeaway coffee cups, simply by choosing reusable alternatives. Health experts advise regular cleaning of reusables in a dishwasher or hot soapy water.

Reducing plastic pollution and staying healthy

By remembering and properly maintaining reusable items, we can make sure they not only last for years to come, but that we also stay healthy. At the same time we’ll be helping to reduce plastic pollution, so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

"We can do two things at once – take care of our health and reduce our impact on the environment. There is simply no excuse"

- Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, Professor of Epidemiology, Healthcare Infection and Infectious Diseases Control and WHO advisor.

News from around the world

Increasingly business, NGO’s and governments are calling for a global treaty on plastics. In February 2022 the United Nations Environment Assembly will decide whether to move forward with a “Paris Agreement for Plastics.” Leading up to this decision, a Global Treaty Dialogue series aims to map the positions and concerns of thousands of stakeholders across the plastics ecosystem, and accelerate solutions to address the oceans plastics crisis. Read more of the story here.

And finally, later this month we will be hosting a series of online webinars to connect with organisations working on the plastic waste issue around the world to get ready for Plastic Free July 2021 and share we can collaborate - please let Jess know if you would like to join us

We look forward to continuing to make a difference together, creating a world without plastic waste.

With many thanks,

The Plastic Free July team

Help us to reduce plastic waste entering the world's oceans by donating today. Plastic Free July is a registered not-for-profit organisation and donations of $2 or more are tax deductible in Australia - you can donate here.