Sustainable Ways to Celebrate Plastic Free July

Originally published on July 1, 2021, for internal efforts while working at a digital marketing agency. 

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Did you know that over 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans each year? Plastic pollution is a massive problem globally—wreaking havoc on our oceans, wildlife, and the planet in general. You may have even heard the horrifying prediction that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

An even more horrifying realization is that, out of the approximately 380 million tons of plastic produced each year, around 40% are single-use, meaning they are discarded after just one use. These are the convenient, accessible items that most of us use at least once daily: coffee cups, water bottles, plastic straws, grocery bags, and even Q-Tips. While this is undoubtedly alarming, the good news is that many of these single-use plastics have more sustainable alternatives.

Markentum is a digital marketing agency committed to bettering ourselves, our communities, and our planet. Many of our team members live along the Florida coast, so we know the importance of protecting our oceans from plastic pollution. This July, we are encouraging our team to participate in Plastic Free July, an initiative that challenges people to reduce their plastic waste. Read on to learn more about the movement!

ABOUT PLASTIC FREE JULY

Plastic Free July is a movement established by the Plastic Free Foundation, encouraging individuals to reduce their plastic usage (and refuse single-use plastic altogether) at home, school, work, and even your local cafe.

The movement aims to show people that living sustainably is not only good for the planet, but it’s easy and sometimes even cost-effective! By eliminating plastic use during Plastic Free July, you may even find that you can continue the challenge for longer.

EASY WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Reducing your plastic usage can seem intimidating at first, but there are easy and practical steps you can take to participate in Plastic Free July!

Plastic Water Bottles → Reusable Water Bottle 🌱

Do you remember the last time you drank from a plastic water bottle? You probably thought it was harmless; you’re only one person, right? Unfortunately, the “just one person” mentality can add up, and each day 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away in the United States.

Drinking water from the tap at home and carrying a refillable water bottle with you outside the house can essentially eliminate your plastic water bottle consumption. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated and save money!

Plastic Straws → Sustainable Alternatives 🌱

There has been a lot of buzz around the dangers of single-use plastic straws, and rightfully so. Even though plastic straws only make up about 4% of the world’s pollution (which, to put it into perspective, still accounts for about 7.5 million straws on the U.S. coastlines), their small size and design make them extremely harmful to marine wildlife.

The easiest way to reduce your personal straw waste is to go straw-free altogether. At most restaurants and cafes, straws are simply unnecessary. However, if you do need a straw, there are plenty of sustainable alternatives on the market today.

Plastic Bags → Reusable Totes 🌱

Single-use plastic bags are another one of the most harmful items for the planet—with Americans using over 100 billion of them each year. Like plastic straws and bottles, you can quickly and effectively remove plastic bags from your life if you are committed!

Buying a reusable grocery bag or shopping tote can significantly reduce your plastic bag usage throughout the year. Just leave your bags by your front door or in your car, so you don’t forget them when you go shopping!

SUSTAINABILITY AT MARKENTUM

Practicing green living and sustainability doesn’t just stop at home; it extends to every aspect of your life—including the workplace! Not only does Markentum encourage our team members to engage in the above habits, but we also have initiatives of our own.

As a company with remote employees throughout the United States and Canada, we work almost exclusively online, creating a virtually paperless workplace. Our remote employees also have the opportunity to work from home, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other energy consumption.

We also proudly participated in a 2020-2021 Volusia County beach clean-up effort, Trashy Yoga. Hosted by the American Advertising Federation of Daytona Beach, this event offers yoga and water clean-up for mental, physical, community, and environmental wellness.

As we participate in #PlasticFreeJuly this month, we encourage you to follow our social media channels to learn more about plastic pollution and see how our team members reduce their plastic use!