This observation made by Jeb Berrier in the 2010 documentary ‘Bag It’ gets to the heart of single-use plastic, with single-use now such a ubiquitous term that in 2018 it was Collins Dictionary’s word of the year. It refers to something used once and then thrown ‘away’ and single-use plastic is its unfortunate poster child – a lightweight but durable product (primarily made from fossil fuels) that we use once, sometimes for just a few minutes, before disposal.  

This throwaway mindset hasn’t always come naturally though. We had to be ‘taught’ to embrace the convenience of disposable plastic until it became so common that we stopped really noticing it and forgot the simple alternatives. The extent is hard to visualise. To give you some idea, in just over six decades, the equivalent of 8.3 billion baby humpback whales-worth of plastic, much of it single-use, has been produced. If we stay on this trajectory, plastic generation is expected to double by 2040, tripling plastic leakage into the ocean and quadrupling levels of plastic pollution. 

Isn’t single-use plastic recyclable?  

Just because something is technically recyclable, doesn’t mean it will be. Many people are surprised to learn the very low plastic recycling rates. As of 2015, around 9 per cent of all plastic ever made has been recycled with less than one percent recycled more than once. So where does the majority of single-use plastic end up? The ‘away’ Jeb Berrier refers to does exist. ‘Away’ is in our landfills and our environment – the rivers, snowfields, nature reserves, beaches, and parks. ‘Away’ is in the bodies of wildlife, and, as research by the Minderoo Foundation is making increasingly clear, ‘away’ is in our bodies too. This is the fundamental issue – the plastic waste that results from the ways as individuals we are using (not reusing) plastic and, significantly, the ways producers and businesses are using it.  

What are common single-use plastic items? 

Common single-use plastic items are the ones many of us are familiar with; plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic straws, and plastic cups. These were the four top items that people focused on in the early years of the Plastic Free July challenge. They are still some of the most popular items that people tackle when they start Plastic Free July. For the 2023 Plastic Free July challenge, for example, supporters joined with local MPs, senators, mayors, CEOs and celebrities to take a small step by committing to refuse single-use cups in July (and beyond). Other common single-use plastic items include plastic packaging (just take a quick glance down your local supermarket aisle), plastic cutlery, plastic takeaway containers, cotton buds, balloons, and sanitary items.  

So, what are the alternatives to single-use plastic? 

This is one of our most frequently asked questions. It can be as simple as remembering your reusable water bottle, buying common pantry items in bulk, or keeping your reusable grocery and fresh produce bags in your car or switching from bottled soap to bar soap. To make things easier, the handy menu of popular  alternatives to common single-use plastic items including decorations, sanitary items, bathroom products, straws, bin liners, and many more. The menu suggests popular alternatives to single-use plastic items, and next steps many people take to help reduce plastic waste. We know it can feel overwhelming at first (it felt that way for us too), but simply starting with one change often leads to other changes. Many people tell us their efforts inspire others – new habits can create a ripple effect in your home, school, workplace, and local community.   

I care, but isn’t this a problem for governments to solve? 

Absolutely, and as citizens we can support this change whilst also taking responsibility for our consumption. Most people (88 percent of people globally) support policies and action to reduce plastic waste. People from all walks of life are choosing to refuse single-use plastic for many reasons including their health, their children’s future, and their environment. Taking action together makes a big difference:  

• In 2022, 140 million Plastic Free July participants from around the world took steps to reduce single-use plastic resulting in overall waste reduction of 2.6 billion tonnes. 
• In the same year, United Nations Member States endorsed a historic resolution to commence a global treaty to end plastic pollution by the end of 2024. 
• A record number of businesses, organisations, NGOs, and governments are taking part in the Plastic Free July challenge. 
• Governments around the world are introducing single-use plastic bans.  

There was a not-too-distant past when people lived without single-use plastic. The single-use plastic bag, for example, was only invented in the mid-1960s. We can enjoy a future without it too. What that means is different for everyone. For the founder of Plastic Free July, Rebecca Prince-Ruiz it means that one day she’ll be able to walk along the shoreline of her local beach and look down at shells and seaweed without expecting to see plastic. What does a world without single-use plastic look like to you?  

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This year’s ‘Small steps, big difference’ campaign kicks off on 1 July with an invitation to join millions of people worldwide taking steps towards ending plastic pollution.  

Every individual choice makes a powerful impact. How do we know this? In 2022, the steps taken by Plastic Free July participants from around the world collectively reduced waste by 2.6 million tonnes – that’s the equivalent of around 13 thousand blue whales. This year we hope to make an even bigger difference. Throughout the campaign we’ll be sharing ideas and solutions to reduce plastic waste. Some people are avoiding soft drinks and water in plastic bottles, some are avoiding pre-packaged produce. Others are choosing reusable coffee cups. Some Plastic Free July participants are taking the next steps in their plastic reduction journey by taking their own containers for takeaway food and choosing milk in returnable bottles.  

“Whatever the alternative, people choosing to refuse single-use plastic together get noticed and it inspires others to take part. When shared with family and friends, our actions show what is possible” Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder, Plastic Free July.

As governments come together to negotiate the global plastics treaty, this groundswell of community action has the capacity to influence business and government policy. 

Turning off plastics ‘at the tap’ is critical to:   

Avoiding landfill waste and protecting the ocean: By taking steps to avoid plastic items that usually end up in landfill, we can help prevent items breaking up into microplastics that cause lasting harm to wildlife and marine ecosystems.  

In fact, when we add up the results from 12 of the world’s largest waste clean-ups over the last year, we found that the actions of Plastic Free July participants have helped to prevent 38 times the weight of waste collected by these clean-ups.  

Reducing consumption and production: By taking steps to refuse, reduce, reuse and refill, we aren’t using up as many of the earth’s resources. Millions of people around the world are altering their shopping habits, choosing to actively avoid excessive plastic packaging [Ellen MacArthur Foundation]. Plastic Free July shares ideas and solutions to avoid materials being used just once or twice before being thrown in the bin. 

Reducing human health impacts: By taking steps to avoid food that is wrapped or heated in plastic, we can limit potentially hazardous chemical exposure. Links between plastic and detrimental effects on human health are increasingly clear, with thousands of harmful chemicals used in plastic production (Minderooo-Monaco Commission). 

Connecting communities and creating lasting change: By taking steps to reduce waste such as taking a reusable cup to a café or simply dining in, or shopping at a farmers market or local green grocer with our own bags, we can start conversations and inspire others as well. People tell us they feel inspired about seeing less waste in their bin each week. Research shows our behaviour impacts others around us, creating new social norms.  

Which small step will you choose this July?   

A popular way many people start their Plastic Free July journey is by taking the Pesky Plastic Quiz. People find it helps them discover all the plastics that ‘sneak’ into their shopping as well as great alternatives that can become new habits forever. 

We have loads of exciting announcements coming up. Sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date!

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Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head, Plastics and Human Health from the Minderoo Foundation says the links between plastic and detrimental effects on human health are increasingly clear, and projected growth in plastic production brings ever greater urgency to this issue. 

Pollution at every stage of plastic

Last month, the Minderoo Foundation in collaboration with world-leading researchers* published an analysis of the multiple hazards that plastic poses to human health and the ocean in the Annals of Global Health. The study also revealed the staggering economic costs of these negative impacts from the extraction of fossil carbon feedstocks through to the chemicals that leach from everyday use and disposal of plastics.

One of the study’s key conclusions addresses the hazardous chemicals used in plastic production. There’s now growing awareness that during use and in disposal, plastics release bisphenol A, phthalates, PFAS and other harmful chemicals, mostly unlabelled.

Around a quarter of the over 10,000 unique chemicals used in plastics are of either high or medium concern to human health and safety. Nearly 40% lack hazard classification and therefore the level of concern is unknown.

How does plastic affect humans?

Exposures to pregnant women, young children and unborn babies are particularly dangerous because these chemicals can disrupt hormones responsible for healthy development. For children, the health consequences linked to plastic chemicals include reduced IQ and respiratory diseases, and for adults – obesity, cancer and decreased fertility in both men and women. Studies have reported that women are more likely to experience reproductive disorders including endometriosis when exposed to such chemicals.

Apart from chemical exposure from everyday plastics, there’s health hazards associated with air and water pollution resulting from plastic manufacturing, beginning with coal, oil, and gas extraction (the source of 98% plastic is fossil carbon). At disposal, the burning of plastic releases toxic gases and metals that are carcinogenic. The polluted ash can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater.

A clean, healthy, and sustainable environment has been declared a human right, and yet plastic production workers and communities neighbouring plastic production and waste disposal sites are living with hazardous air pollution and contaminated water sources. Plastic production workers are at increased risk of leukemia, lymphoma, brain cancer and breast cancer. Children in these communities have higher incidences of leukemia.

Plastic production results in particulate matter air pollution, which increases risks for cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer and diabetes in adults. In infants and children, it increases risks for premature birth and low birthweight, which are risk factors for chronic diseases later in life. There are also higher risks of stillbirth, impaired lung development and asthma from this type of air pollution.  

While in the last decade there’s been a significant uptick in research into plastic pollution and environmental microplastics, scientists acknowledge the need for improved technology and techniques to detect the very small (micro and nano) plastic particles in human tissue. 

Plastic toxins—What can we do?

Taking small steps toward plastic-free living are all important when it comes to protecting our health, recognising human rights, and conserving our planet.

To minimise your exposure to harmful plastic chemicals, you can store your food and beverages in non-plastic containers and avoid heating food in plastic. Be aware that fast food served at high temperatures in plastic packaging enables chemicals to migrate into the food. Also, avoid using plastic cups for hot drinks and discard plastic kitchen utensils.

Even though it is difficult to avoid plastic altogether, there are safer options for kitchen products. Glass, stainless steel, bamboo, and wood can be healthier alternative materials for food storage and preparation.

To protect babies and children, choose baby clothing made with natural fibres, and avoid PVC plastic toys or cups. Be careful to avoid PVC (vinyl) ‘wipe clean’ bibs. The plastic images embossed onto babies and children’s clothes can also contain chemicals which leach out.

By choosing reusable products and refusing single-use plastic options we can reduce our impacts.

You can also ask your government representative to review this study for the latest science on the health impacts of plastic, to update chemical regulations and ensure plastics policies are not exporting the problem and contributing to social injustices.

While each of us can embrace changes to our behaviour, our governments should fast-track bans on unnecessary single-use plastics, and work to reduce the complexity and toxicity of plastic.  Plastic producer responsibility towards safer and more sustainable operations and products, all the way up and down the value chain, is also vital to a healthier future.

*The Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health is a collaboration by 48 international expert authors from multiple institutions world-wide. The study was coordinated by the Global Observatory on Planet Health at Boston College, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco’s Medical and Marine Biology departments, and the Plastics and Human Health team at Minderoo Foundation. It presents a detailed analysis of plastics’ impacts across their life cycle on human health, the global environment, the economy, and vulnerable populations.

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Plastics and climate change

More single-use plastic is being produced than ever before. Simply put, that means more plastic, more waste and more pollution. That’s not just my passing observation; this is the findings of a new Minderoo Foundation report highlighting that despite rising consumer awareness, corporate concern, and tougher regulation, there is more single-use plastic waste than ever before. We are just not making enough progress.

The Plastic Waste Makers Index 2023 recently revealed that the global population used 139 million tonnes of single-use plastic in 2021, up from 133 million tonnes in 2019. That’s an increase of almost one kilogram of single-use plastic per person on the planet. And you might also be shocked to learn that the inevitable waste from single-use plastic spoils more than the view.

That’s because single-use plastic is not only a pollution crisis but a climate one. Our team found that the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from single-use plastics in 2021 were equivalent to those of the United Kingdom or of Australia. Just think for a moment about the impact climate change has had on fires and floods across Australia and the world, and ask yourself what part you can play in reducing the harm to vulnerable communities.

Small steps 

You might feel that the problem is too great and that there is nothing you can do. But while not the sole cause of climate change, single-use plastics are a significant contributing factor, so the action you take will make a difference. Small changes to our everyday lives can leave a lasting positive impact on this planet.

As a follower of the Plastic Free Foundation, you’ll already know ways to drastically reduce your use of plastic. However, the Plastic Waste Makers Index has shown that drastic measures are needed beyond the actions of consumers.

Big impact

The Index revealed that recycling is not growing quickly enough and that the increase in primary single-use plastics derived directly from fossil fuels was 15 times greater than those derived from recycled materials. In fact, 98% of single-use plastic still comes directly from fossil fuels. I was really shocked by this number. It is time for the petrochemical industry to acknowledge that they are a part of the problem and commit to finding safe and sustainable alternative solutions to allow our children and grandchildren to grow up without plastic pollution.

That is why our team at Minderoo Foundation remains focused on eliminating the damage to us and our planet that plastics can cause. We will continue to work tirelessly with industry, scientists, financiers, governments and others to develop practical solutions and drive change. With your commitments throughout July and the rest of the year, together, we can protect our planet for future generations.

Discover more about our work and our vision for a world without plastic pollution at minderoo.org

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The theme for Plastic Free July 2022 was ‘Turning the Tide’, describing the concerted global efforts required to tackle the scale and urgency of the plastic pollution crisis. 

Global engagement 

In 2022, Plastic Free July was marked worldwide by a record 140 million participants making conscious changes and reducing their waste by 2.6 million tonnes – that’s the equivalent of around 13 thousand blue whales. 

We saw an ever-increasing participation from schools, councils, businesses, partners organisations and government agencies. This global trend is strong: 87% of people support policies and action to reduce plastic waste. 

Plastic Free Foundation has played an integral role in championing this public voice by positively influencing global policy development through research, engagement, behaviour change and advocacy efforts. 

Global action 

On 2 March 2022, in Nairobi, United Nations Member States endorsed a historic resolution to commence a global treaty to end plastic pollution by the end of 2024. It will address the full plastic lifecycle: from extraction, to production, design, use and disposal. It was an honour to attend the UN Environment Assembly as an Accredited NGO, to represent the millions of participants in Plastic Free July. 

“I am deeply impressed by the broad network of activities Plastic Free July set up…triggering sustainable behaviour in so many people. Every individual decision, every little step counts – and together they form collective action that has a strong and clearly measurable direct impact”, Jennifer Morgan, State Secretary And Special Envoy For International Climate Action For The Federal Republic Of Germany 

In the lead up to the Assembly, Plastic Free Foundation partnered with Ipsos to undertake a global survey to understand public opinions on actions to combat plastic pollution. The Foundation partnered with WWF-International to analyse and publish a report on global public opinion on a plastic treaty. 

Our research found that nearly 90% of people surveyed – over 20,000 adults across 28 countries – believe that having a global plastics treaty will help to effectively address the plastic pollution crisis. This shows an extremely high level of public support for a legally-binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution.

“Our collaboration with the Plastic Free Foundation and Ipsos has been absolutely critical to ensuring that people’s views on a plastic pollution treaty are put clearly on the public record… this research to explore people’s expectations of a treaty is more important than ever, and provides a strong public mandate for governments to negotiate a comprehensive and ambitious treaty by 2025.” Elena Khishchenko, Head Of Global Campaigns At Wwf-International 

The ‘Rising Tides’ report received significant media attention, with over 1,000 mentions totalling a reach of 1.8 – 5 billion readership, including major wire agencies, Reuters, AFP, and EFE. 

Global recognition 

Another 2022 highlight was the recognition Plastic Free Foundation received by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Awards. 

We were selected as one of two finalists for the ‘Mobilize’ award, from over 3,000 applications from 150 countries, as initiatives that mobilise, inspire and connect people to drive action towards a more sustainable future. 

It was inspiring to meet the eight other category finalists aspiring for a healthier planet at the Ceremony at UN Bonn in Germany in September 2022. 

This global recognition shows the collective power of individual action, and the difference we can all make for a low-waste, sustainable world. The next two years are critical to turn the tide on plastic pollution: our community, corporates, and governments all must play in creating a healthy future for our children and the planet. 

Please feel free to read the report for detailed stats, media coverage, and stories of change from just a few of the millions of people of Plastic Free July participants together helping to end plastic waste so we can all enjoy a healthy planet.

View the full Impact Report 2022 here.

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Similar to our bank accounts, when we spend more than we earn, we go into debt. 

When we overshoot and use more resources in any given year than the Earth can regenerate we have an ecological deficit that causes pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.

The 28th July 2022 marks Earth Overshoot Day. The date when humanity has used all the biological resources that Earth regenerates during the entire year. 

(Earth’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 365 = Earth Overshoot Day

This sounds overwhelming but it’s a timely reminder that we can make a difference by looking for opportunities to live within nature’s means.

Move the Date

Just look at 2020. In the wake of pandemic lockdowns and reduced economic movement, Earth Overshoot Day got pushed back to 22nd August. 

When we went back to full production, consumption and economic activity we have moved forward by nearly a month.

So what can we do today?

As musician Pete Seeger’s lyrics go:

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production.”

When we decide to avoid single-use plastics we can also choose to reduce our consumption and move away from a throwaway society that sees earth’s resources being used once or twice and thrown into the bin.

Reduce, reuse and refill are key to moving Earth Overshoot Day back.

Reducing our coffee’s footprint

Takeaway coffee cups are a great example of how to choose single-use plastics in our daily habits. 

Disposable items such as single-use compostable cups still take resources from extraction to production, transportation and use. When we use the cups we already have, over and over again, we’re not using any new resources.

By changing our relationship with plastic and challenging our consumption, everyone has the opportunity to take responsibility. 

Let’s not be a throwaway society, instead let’s turn this around for a cleaner future.

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Despite our careful sorting, collection and recycling efforts, plastic is everywhere – from the deepest oceans to the summit of Mt Everest. However, 2022 has shown signs of progress! 

On 2 March 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly agreed to create a historic global treaty to end plastic pollution in a landmark agreement. 

A shift that the UN says could reduce the volume of plastics entering oceans by over 80 per cent by 2040; reduce virgin plastic production by 55 per cent; save governments US$70 billion by 2040; reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent; and create 700,000 additional jobs – mainly in the global south.

The theme of this year’s Plastic Free July challenge is ‘Turn the Tide, one choice at a time’ and celebrates the collective impact of millions across the world choosing to refuse plastics. 

From governments and brands committing to design for a circular economy to individuals making choices in their daily lives, we know this groundswell of action is driving regulation and legislation at a global level. 

Therefore every choice we make in our own lives to reduce our plastic waste sends a message and helps builds momentum – turning the tide on plastic pollution.

By focusing on avoidance, Plastic Free July offers everyone, wherever they live, a way to make a difference and stop plastic pollution from leaking into the environment and impacting communities.

Together, we have already avoided 2.1 million tonnes of waste, including millions of single-use drink bottles, coffee cups, packaging, straws and plastic bags.

Which choices are you planning to take to turn the tide on plastic pollution this year? Sign up to the challenge today. 

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Professor Sarah Dunlop, neuroscientist and Head of Plastics and Human Health at Minderoo Foundation shares how she reduces her exposure to plastic and the harmful chemicals it can contain.

More than meets the eye

The recent findings of microplastics in blood and lungs are not surprising, but there’s much more to learn and share about plastic as a health issue.  

Over the last decade there has been a growing awareness of the extent of plastic pollution, its devastating impacts on animals and the environment, as well as the challenges in collection and recycling. Now, there’s increasing concern about the potential human health impacts of plastic, from certain chemical additives as well as the tiny microplastics particles that have recently been found in the human body.

My colleagues, led by Dr Christos Symeonides at Minderoo Foundation, recently published a review article ‘Buy-now-pay-later: Hazards to human and planetary health from plastics production, use and waste’ in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health on this issue. Plastics contain thousands of chemicals and many of them have not been tested for safety to people. This also means that in most places, government regulations do not to protect us from these chemicals.

There is significant evidence, from human studies, that exposures to two types of chemicals found in plastics — phthalates and bisphenols — can affect health, especially if the exposure occurs during pregnancy or in early childhood.

However, we don’t yet have a strong understanding of the effects of micro- and nanoplastic particles in our bodies, which is why we partnered with The University of Queensland to build the Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health research centre. The science of measuring these virus-sized particles requires highly specialised equipment and experts, such as Professor Kevin Thomas and his team. 

What can we do?

Our scientific studies, and those of our international peers, have convinced us all to avoid food and drink contact with plastic where possible, especially when they are heated.

Other ways we can reduce risks of chemical exposure, are to start with simple things — avoiding cooking or warming food in plastic, and not putting plastic in the dishwasher. We could eat fewer packaged foods or processed foods and use glass containers for food instead. 

As well as avoiding plastic products, other things I do to decrease exposure to harmful plastic-associated chemicals in my home, include:

• regular vacuuming and dusting
• not using personal care products that contain plastic microbeads
• avoiding cosmetics listing the ingredient ‘fragrance’, which often use phthalates as a solvent or stabiliser
• using stainless steel or ceramic coffee cups. 

Children and young people

Young children have additional exposure through oral exploratory behaviour and incidental ingestion, including chewing their toys and from chemicals in household dust and soil.”

As a paediatrician, Christos also encourages alternative materials for baby’s toys – that are likely to go in their mouth.

It’s safer to choose ones made of wood (without toxic paint), natural latex or food grade silicone. Look for the EU safety mark for children’s toys. Since 1999, all commonly used phthalate plasticisers were banned in toys made in Europe.

Our mission

What is important to me, and the plastics team at Minderoo Foundation, is to uncover the truth and help people make informed decisions.

We are all keen to share the scientific findings and concerns we have about the harmful chemicals that can be in plastic, and to understand more about what plastic particles are doing in our bodies.

Minderoo Foundation is also collaborating with other world-leading scientists, clinicians, legal, regulatory and communication experts as well as government departments, intergovernmental organisations and NGOs. This includes partnerships with the University of Western Australia, Imperial College London, Common Seas, Food Packaging Forum, International Society for Children’s Health and the Environment (ISCHE), The Florey Institute, and Environmental Health News. 

Together, we are aiming to inform people and governments so we can protect the next generation from disorders and disease that we know are on the rise and, which cannot be fully explained by other lifestyle or genetic factors. 

On behalf of the Minderoo Foundation team, we wish you well this July and beyond. Your commitment to using less plastic will be better for your health and better for our planet. Working together, we can turn the tide!

Find out more about plastics and health on the Minderoo Foundation website.

A @MinderooFoundation partnership for #health information.

Photo caption: Professor Sarah Dunlop, Head of Plastics and Human Health Minderoo Foundation and Professor Kevin Thomas, Research Director outside the Minderoo Centre – Plastics and Human Health research facility at University of Queensland, Australia.

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This historic moment comes after years of hard work by many stakeholders including member states, NGOs, businesses and other organisations and was backed by overwhelming public support. Our research showed almost 9 out of 10 people surveyed support a global treaty (Rising Tides: Global Opinions on Actions to Stop Plastic Pollution).

For every single person who has taken action to reduce plastic waste in their own lives and called on business and governments to change, this is a victory for you.

The Plastic Free July movement of millions of individual local actions has contributed to a paradigm shift, we now have a global call for change. This agreement to adopt the mandate for a global plastic treaty by UN member states will be remembered in history as the moment we turned the tide to stop plastic pollution.

Titled ‘End Plastic Pollution’, the treaty will create global rules and obligations for the whole life cycle of plastic, from plastic production and transport, to manufacture, consumption and disposal with the goal of ending plastic pollution. 

A global treaty is a unique opportunity to turn the tap off on plastic waste and help reframe our relationship with plastics so that people’s health and that of the environment are not at risk.

Being in Nairobi and hearing this decision provides a clear symbol of hope for people from all corners of the world and shows that governments have listened. This decision brings us closer to a world without plastic pollution.

Photo: Jaimen Hudson

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However, when we stop to look a little more closely at hosting a celebration, there’s often a lot of single-use plastic involved. Entertaining can be very wasteful with items used for just the event and then thrown away. 

To help make celebrations more sustainable, we need to consider both the waste generated and the impact of producing so many disposable items. For example, to produce just 1kg of gift wrap creates more than 3kg of CO2 emissions. That’s the same amount of CO2 as generated by boiling an electric kettle 200 times. This means, for a greener party we need to swap single-use items for reusables and try to avoid unnecessary plastic. 

Here’s some ways to host a more eco-friendly holiday event without spoiling any of the fun… 

Tableware

Hosting a party has often meant grabbing a pack of paper plates and plastic cups. Readily available in supermarkets and an appealing way to avoid the washing up, disposables may seem like the easy option. However, they generate a lot of waste after a very short use. Each year, in England alone, an estimated 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion items of single-use cutlery are used. Most disposable tableware is wholly, or in part, made of plastic and very little is recycled. 

In the fight against plastic pollution, many governments are introducing new legislation banning single-use plastic plates, cups and cutlery. The EU introduced a ban on plastic tableware in July 2021 and many other countries are set to follow. So what are the alternatives? 

• Use what you have – Ditching the disposables and switching to reusable tableware is the most obvious sustainable solution. If you don’t have enough plates, consider borrowing from a neighbour or even asking guests to bring their own plate.
  
• Hire a party kit – There’s a growing community of people who lend reusable tableware for celebrations. Party kits contain reusable tableware which can be borrowed for the event and then returned to be used again. Some also offer decorations, table linen and even a washing up service. Find your local party kit.
• Plastic-free alternatives – If switching to reusables really isn’t an option for your event then look for single-use tableware which is plastic free. For example, plates made from palm leaves and cutlery made from wood can both be composted at home after the party. Try to avoid disposable items made from bioplastic (PLA) or those which can only be composted in industrial composters – these are often not as green or practical as the marketing messaging might make you think. 

Food 

Food is core to any festive season celebration. After all, is a party really a party without cake?! However, party food can generate a lot of waste. This comes from both the packaging and the food itself. 

In the UK, 10 million festive turkeys are purchased each year generating 3,000 tonnes of packaging waste, most of which is single-use plastic. An estimated 2 million of those turkeys will go uneaten generating a shocking amount of food waste. 

With a bit of planning it’s possible to significantly cut unnecessary waste…

• Create a food plan – It can be easy to end up with more food than really needed for a party but with a bit of planning you can reduce the likelihood of any leftovers. Be realistic about how much guests might eat, especially if your party isn’t being held at a normal mealtime, and try to avoid last minute panic buying.
  
• Make your own – One of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary plastic food packaging is to make your own dishes rather than purchasing readymade food. To ease the load, ask family and friends to help or consider hosting a ‘potluck’ party where each guest brings a dish of food to be shared.
  
• Plan for leftovers – Even the most experienced host can misjudge quantities so planning ahead for any leftover food will help reduce waste. Ask guests to bring along reusable containers to the party to take home any leftovers. Freeze what you can – even cake can be frozen! And ahead of the party, research local organisations, such as food banks or community fridges, who will accept donations of excess food. 

Decorations

Whether you’re putting up a Christmas tree, creating a festive table or decorating an entire house, there are many ways to make decorations a little more eco-friendly without spoiling the holiday fun. 

• Go natural – For table centrepieces or around the home use natural foliage, such as twigs, pine cones and holly. All these are plastic free, reusable and can be composted once used.
  
• Edible tree decorations – As an alternative to plastic-wrapped edible tree decorations such as candy canes, try hanging foil-wrapped chocolate or using small fabric stockings or bags filled with treats.
  
• Bunting isn’t just for birthdays – Festive bunting makes a great decoration which can be used year after year. You may be able to hire bunting locally or make your own from scrap material or old Christmas cards.
  
• Give crackers a green makeover – Whether it’s a tiny magnifying glass or yet another packet of mini playcards, many of the trinkets in store-bought crackers are pretty useless and often plastic. Instead, fill your own crackers with things guests may actually use. Make crackers from paper or fabric, or fill a small bag with a couple of items guests might actually enjoy. Switching to reusable party crowns is another win for reducing waste.
  
• Pick quality over quantity – With many sustainable choices, often buying less is the best way to reduce our waste footprint. If you do want to add to your collection of decorations, look for secondhand items first or choose items which are durable and will last year after year, such as decorations made from felt. 

Gift Wrap 

Gift wrap is another area where a few swaps can help make celebrating a little more sustainable. 

Most traditional gift wrap is single-use and can contain hidden plastic. Metallic or glitter wrapping paper are both offenders. So if you’re passionate about reducing plastic waste, try to avoid these. 

Gift wrap is used for such a short amount of time before being discarded. In the UK, the equivalent of 108 million rolls of wrapping paper are thrown away each festive period – that’s enough paper to wrap around the planet 22 times.

Reduce waste with one of these wrapping paper alternatives… 

• Wrap with fabric squares or scarves – Either fold the fabric around the gift (as you would with paper) and tie with ribbon or knot the fabric using the Japanese art of Furoshiki.
  
• Use fabric bags – Perfect for those tricky to wrap gifts. Consider using a fabric bag, specially designed reusable fabric gift wrap or even a pillowcase for a quick and easy way to wrap presents.
  
• Reuse gift wrap or packing paper – If you’re very careful it is possible to reuse gift wrap. The recycled packing paper, which often comes with online orders, is good for wrapping (and free!). It can be decorated with ink stamps or tied with festive ribbon and still recycled after. Swap plastic sticky tape for string, ribbon or paper tape. 

Guest post by Isabel Mack, the founder of the Party Kit Network. This non-profit organisation connects those planning a party with local party kits of reusable tableware. Started in the UK in 2019, there are now hundreds of party kits run by people from across the globe. Together network members help their communities avoid thousands of single-use plastic items. 

The post How to host a plastic free festive party  appeared first on Plastic Free July.