Plastic Free July: What it is and How to Participate
There is no doubt that with the summer months comes an increase in usage of Lake Erie’s beaches and waters. While our lake provides a significant source of entertainment and leisure for all, it is crucial during these months to be mindful of the vital role that Lake Erie plays in sourcing our safe drinking water.
It is important to note that, in 2011, the month of July was given the title “Plastic Free July” by the Plastic Free Foundation in hopes of creating a global movement to reduce plastic pollution. This commitment encourages people all over the world to go completely plastic-less for the month of July. In the five years the commitment has been in place, a whopping 1.4 billion kgs of plastic has been avoided.
As a city that is home to such a crucial water source, a commitment like Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to take part in pollution-reducing measures in everyday life.
Some measures to consider to limit pollution this summer and partake in Plastic Free July:
- Investing in reusable straws, shopping bags, and water bottles to limit plastic use
- Double checking your area for left-behind trash before leaving beaches and parks
- Keeping trash cans or trash bags on boats to discourage offshore polluting
- Buying items in bulk and dividing into reusable containers to limit plastic use
- Avoiding washing chemical and liquid spills into storm drains and Lake Erie; instead, use cat litter and sand to soak up the spill
- Properly recycling plastic materials