Single-use plastics have become so ingrained in our daily routines that it’s hard to imagine life without them. However, their environmental impact is staggering.
Originating in the mid-20th century, single-use plastics gained popularity for their convenience and affordability. Now, they dominate consumer culture, filling landfills and polluting our planet. Did you know a plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to biodegrade? Or that the average person consumes about five grams of plastic weekly through contaminated water and food? That’s the equivalent of a plastic pen!
What can we do? Enter Plastic-Free July.
Plastic-Free July is an initiative that began in Western Australia in 2011 and aims to tackle this crisis by encouraging individuals and businesses to reduce their plastic consumption. The movement has grown globally, inspiring people to make conscious choices that lead to long-term changes in behavior and habits. For companies, there are numerous ways to support Plastic-Free July and beyond.
Lead the Way in the Office
We can’t change the world, but we can start making incremental changes to start changing the culture inside our own organizations around single-use plastic. Here are some simple changes you can make to get that shift started
1. Host a Plastic-Free Challenge
Organize a month-long challenge where employees compete to see who can reduce their plastic use the most. Offer rewards such as eco-friendly products or gift cards to incentivize participation.
2. Implement Reusable Coffee Cups and Mugs
Ditch the single-use cups in the breakroom and provide employees with branded reusable coffee cups and mugs instead. Consider setting up a discount program with local coffee shops for employees who bring their own cups, as well.
3. Upgrade Office Supplies
Replace plastic pens, organizer sets, and other office supplies with sustainable alternatives made from bamboo, recycled materials, or biodegradable components. But don’t throw the old plastic ones away! Donate them!
4. Create a Green Procurement Policy
If you don’t have one already, develop a procurement policy that prioritizes products with minimal plastic packaging and those made from sustainable materials. Work with suppliers to source eco-friendly alternatives.
5. Encourage Sustainable Commutes
Support employees in reducing their environmental footprint by promoting sustainable commuting options. Provide incentives for biking, carpooling, or using public transportation . . . taking with them those reusable cups and mugs. Offer bike racks and showers at the workplace.
Lead the Way in Marketing
Did you know that you can reduce the use of single-use plastic in your marketing choices, too? Here at FullSail, we make that possible by offering a variety of plastic-free substrates for your marketing projects.
Here are some options you might consider:
1. PVC-Free Vinyl
PVC-free vinyl is a versatile material for applications such as banners, signage, decals, and stickers. It is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional PVC vinyl made without harmful chemicals like phthalates and chlorine.
2. Xanita or Falcon Board vs. Foam Core
Xanita and Falcon Board are lightweight, rigid, and sustainable board materials made from recycled cellulose fibers. They offer excellent printability and structural strength compared to traditional foam core boards, which are typically made from non-recyclable polystyrene foam. Choose Xanita or Falcon Board as eco-friendly alternatives for displays, signage, point-of-sale materials, and exhibition stands.
3. Aqua-Rite vs. Coroplast
Aqua-Rite is a durable and weather-resistant material made from recycled paper fibers and resin composite. This makes it a sustainable alternative to Coroplast, a corrugated plastic sheet that is often used for outdoor signage. Opt for Aqua-Rite for outdoor advertising campaigns to minimize plastic usage.
4. Green Promotional Items
Many promotional items are made from eco-friendly products made from recycled, biodegradable, or renewable materials. Use sustainable alternatives such as reusable tote bags, recycled paper notebooks, bamboo pens, and organic cotton apparel.
Beyond July: Fostering Long-Term Change
Plastic-Free July is not just a one-month initiative; it’s a stepping stone towards long-term change. By implementing these and similar strategies, we can all set a positive example both within our companies and in our marketing to foster a culture of sustainability that resonates long after July has ended.
