Plastic Free July
- Su Whale
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
What is Plastic Free July?
It is shared global movement helping millions of people reduce their reliance on single use plastic.
The initiative was founded in 2011 by local government officials in Western Australia, where it was originally a simple idea that involved around 40 people. From this humble beginning it developed into the Plastic Free Foundation and from this comes Plastic Free July which is the biggest waste avoidance campaign on the planet.
What is single use plastic?
Plastic that is designed to be used once before being discarded, such as carrier bags, cellophane wrapping or disposable food containers.
Why do we need to reduce our plastic waste?
Every year around 11 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into the sea, and if this trend continues, by 2050 there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Currently, only 9% of the plastic that has ever been produced is recycled. (Surfers Against Sewage)
What can we do in the florists’ workroom?
Start by sorting out your bins! Use different bins to separate your green waste from your soft plastic and cardboard, this will make recycling easier.
How to reduce the use of cellophane
Cello is one of the most obvious examples of single use plastic. Here are some suggestions for cutting down on its use.
Replace with craft paper wherever possible. If you have to use cello, such as when aqua wrapping, then opt for biodegradable, eco-friendly alternatives.
Increase your range of UK seasonally grown flowers which are not packaged in cellophane for protection or transport.
Use glass vases instead of aqua wrapping. Devise a vase return loyalty scheme; for example, when a vase is returned the customer gets a sticker or stamp on a card, fill the card and they get a free gift.
Stop using poly ribbon; swap to foliage edging on tributes and use organza, raffia or satin in gift work.
In the kitchen
Adopt the same discipline in your workplace kitchen by having a separate bin for plastic wrappings, make sure they are free of food waste to avoid contamination.
Where to take your plastic waste
If you have a lot, then websites such as www.recyclenow.com have a postcode locater tool which will direct you to your nearest facility. For smaller amounts most major supermarkets have a collection point.
And finally, let your customers know what you are doing using your social media channels and spread the word!
For more information visit www.plasticfreejuly.org
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
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