How can I get involved in Plastic Free July?

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Alt Text: picture of planet Earth, with the caption: "What are you giving up for Plastic Free July"?

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July runs from the 1st to the 31st of July, and does exactly what it says on the plastic-free tin. During this month, you'll see countless resources and ideas that will inspire you to reduce your single-plastic waste every day! 

And here at Sky, we're looking to tip the scales back in our favour. From developing recycled packaging to the world's first TV certified as a CarbonNeutral® product. We have sustainable resource and energy efficiency at our hearts, and we're hoping to rub some of that off onto our customers!

How can I get involved?

Making an impact seems unattainable for the vast majority of people. As we're confronted with adverts for electric cars and pleas to 'invest in solar panels' are shoved down our throats, we're left feeling at a loss. We don't all have the resources to purchase these big ticket items.

So, what can we do to bring a global issue down to scale?

The official website for Plastic Free July has a fantastic 'Getting Started' page, loaded with small changes that make a big difference. They include:

• Bringing re-usable cups and straws to coffee shops, work and elsewhere

• Save up your shopping bags and re-use them!

• Make an effort to get plastic free veggies, bread and meat

 

At work

In the Sky offices, everybody brings their own coffee mug from home, and re-usable water bottle. It can be a fun insight into people's personalities by seeing what they've brought in.

• Most workplaces have waste bins divided into recycling, glass and food waste, but why not start a compost bin? If you or other colleagues find yourself at a loss with what to do with your fruit peels, leftover salad and tea bags, make up a compost bin and try growing your own office herbs!

• Nobody likes a chore chart; but if everyone has responsibility for cleaning cutlery and keeping shared spaces plastic-free, generally speaking, everyone will get stuck in!

• Put together a designated Plastic-Free Squad, given the task of getting people involved in fun activities or discussions about what you can do as a community to reduce plastic waste

• Organise one day a week where members of staff do a cook/bake-off (some people call this a 'fuddle'), bringing in food from home where everyone can have a plastic-free lunch!

At home or school

When we send out our Sky products, don't just chuck away our packaging! Make sure you're recycling it in the proper waste bins.

Another fun idea would be to use the cardboard in arts and crafts activities with the kids:

• Make a dollhouse using the box, and the leftover cardboard can be fashioned into a little bed, window and curtains for their chosen buddy!

• Do a puppet show! Use the box for the stage, and make puppets that can pop up on sticks!

• DIY postcards for family members can be a sweet way for youngsters to feel as though they're keeping in touch, all while designing the cards themselves!

• Dress up a cardboard box with a few decorations, then line it with a bag poked with a few holes, then move your chosen plant / herb in!

• Coasters! Paint the cardboard side and you've got a brilliant addition to the home!

• A bird feeder. Make a tube out of the cardboard, roll it in peanut butter and bird seed, then hang it outside for lots of lovely birdies to come have supper

Whatever you do, however small, does a world of good!

And who knows? Maybe your Plastic Free July will turn into a Plastic Free lifestyle! Keep updated with tips throughout the month on our Twitter page, @SkyHelpTeam!