It's the time of year again - Plastic Free July! This global movement helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.
Every year, plastic weighing the equivalent of 7,300 adult beluga whales enter our Great Lakes, including our very own Lake Michigan.
Plastic is entering our oceans at a similar pace. At this rate, plastic is expected to outweigh fish in the ocean by 2050.
So what can you do to help? Simple things, like using reusable shopping bags, reusable sandwich bags, and reusable coffee cups are a great starting point. Using a metal or silicone straw in place of a single-use plastic straw is a great alternative as well. When packing a lunch for school or work, mason jars and reusable containers are a great alternative to single-use zip-top bags. More great ideas on how to reduce your plastic consumption can be found here.
Searching for local involvement? The Shedd Aquarium has assembled a series of free events and activities to help the Chicagoland community learn and participate in being plastic-free throughout the month of July - and beyond.
Think you have what it takes to be plastic-free for the month of July? Join 326 million participants worldwide and take the challenge!