July is almost here. When I sat down to think about what to write for my Plastic Free July 2026 post, I admit to a bit of writer’s block. This led me to wonder if the plastic-free movement still matters in 2026.
I’ve participated in Plastic Free July in some way every year since 2020. In case you missed them, here are my Plastic Free July posts from previous years:
- 10 things I learned from Plastic-Free July (2020)
- 31 ways you can join the Plastic Free July movement (2021)
- Let’s win the war on plastics (2022)
- Plastics and your health (2024)
- Take things one step further (2025)
Searching for inspiration for Plastic Free July 2026
In need of inspiration for this year’s post, I took a quick look at the Plastic Free July website. This revealed lots of good news stories but no specific theme for Plastic Free July 2026. Is the Plastic Free Foundation suffering from writer’s block too?
Next, I opened their calendar seeking ideas. It made me feel good to realize I’ve already adopted these habits over the years. Does that mean I’m perfect and there’s nothing more to do? Far from it! I’ve come a long way, but there’s always room for improvement.
From the calendar, I chose three actions to focus on this July:
- Use what we have. I’ve done a Buy Nothing Challenge in the past. This July, I’ll refocus on buying only necessities.
- Borrow instead of buying. I already do this by borrowing books from the library. If I need anything this July, I’ll see if I can borrow it from someone.
- Clean up litter. I see other people picking up waste around the neighbourhood. I’ll make that part of my morning walks this July.
Yes! Plastic Free July is still relevant in 2026!
Back to my original question. Is Plastic Free July still relevant in 2026?
I believe it is and the Plastic Free Foundations 2025 Impact Report reveals 174 million people across 190 countries around the world agree with me. Further, 75% of the world’s population supports policies and action to reduce waste.
There’s nothing like positive action to improve our lives. The impact report showed those who took the Plastic Free July pledge have strong social connections and a positive sense of wellbeing.
In the last 7 years, Plastic Free July participants have collectively avoided 15 million tons of waste. That’s the weight of over 100,000 blue whales, and more than all the waste collected by the 10 biggest cleanups around the world combined.
You can help set a world record on July 1, 2026
On July 1, 2026, the Plastic Free Foundation needs your help to set a world record for the most people refusing single-use plastic in one day. Details on how you can participate are on the Plastic Free July website.
Let’s show the world that Plastic Free July still matters! Join me in taking the Plastic Free July 2026 pledge and drop me a comment below to let me know you’re in.
Discover more from Boomer Eco Crusader
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Happy belated Canada Day, Michelle. As we all collectively bake in this heat wave – your message is certainly more urgent and timely than ever!
Thanks, Ab. I actually escaped just as the heat wave started. I’m visiting my daughter in BC for a week. Interestingly it has been cool and rainy here which is very odd for the desert-like interior.
Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you!
I always thought that if only every human on our planet picked up and recycled one piece of rubbish every day, what a difference it would make, Michelle.
The worst businesses seem to be fast-food chains. You can always guarantee rubbish with their names all over the roads and pavements. I did hear about a law that would force Fast-Food chains to put the car registration plate on all food wrappings and cups when going through the drive-through, but so many people complained about it that it was ditched. I was gobsmacked by the decision.
You’re right, Hugh. It would make a huge difference and it’s such a simple thing.
I wholeheartedly agree that the fast food chains have a lot to answer for. I rarely eat at fast food restaurants since my daughter worked at McDonald’s for three years when she was in high school. She told me stories that made me cringe. In addition to the packaging waste, the food waste is horrendous, not to mention the emissions from cars idling in the drive thrus.
I love the car registration plate idea. Here in Canada, bright red Tim Horton’s coffee cups litter our landscape everywhere you go. It makes me angry. If you insist on using a single-use cup for your caffeine fix, at least dispose of the cup appropriately. Ugh.
100% agree, Michelle. It’s illegal to throw litter from a car here in the UK, yet many of our roads are littered with everything from single-use cups to odd shoes! Some of the things I have seen on the side of roads are eye-popping.
It’s terrible. I often wonder if these people act with the same carelessness at home.
This made me grin:
“Is the Plastic Free Foundation suffering from writer’s block too?”
😜😜😜
We’re slowly but surely ridding the house of plastic containers/food storage and switching to glass.
Were you peeking in the windows this afternoon? I was playing tetris — moving around stuff in the kitchen to make way for some new glass containers. You know…you’ve gotta make a mess when you do some clean-up work, right???? 😜❤️😜
Ha ha. Tetris. I can relate. Things always get messier before they get better! 😂
Xo! 😉❤️😉
It definitely still matters, but I do have the same thoughts as you! I struggle to know what to write as I have made a lot of switches so don’t really know what else to do. I’ll pledge for sure though 🙂
Right. There’s only so much we can do and it’s disheartening to see the world moving in the wrong direction on climate issues.
Thanks for reading, Caroline. 💚
It still matters Michelle!
Thanks Cristiana. I believe it does and our efforts do make a difference.