What is Plastic-Free July and how can Heights’s residents participate?

Plastic Free July is a global initiative set up by the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011 to educate and encourage people to cut down on their plastic consumption through habit changes and community building. With 326 million participants worldwide in 190 countries, Plastic-Free July hopes individuals continue these positive habits beyond a single month. To participate in the Plastic-Free July challenge, all you really have to do is make a commitment to use less plastic during the month of July.

The Cleveland Heights Green Team invites Heights’ residents to join the challenge by simply considering removing some of the single-use plastic stuff you use every day such as plastic water bottles, single-use coffee cups, skipping the straw, and by bringing reusable bags on your trips to the grocery store.

Food and beverage establishments can participate by providing patrons single-use plastic straws, takeout plastic utensils and plastic packaged condiments “on request only.” This simple transition not only will decrease waste and pollution but also result in profit margin improvement.

Participating restaurants will receive posters and signs designed to inform customers that their establishment is part of the Plastic-Free July challenge and that single-use plastics will be provided “on request only.”

Businesses and residents can amplify their impact by sharing their plastic-free stories via social media #plasticfreejuly and #heightsplasticfreejuly and by tagging #clevelandheightsgreenteam. By making simple changes in our lives, our present and future generations can make a profound difference and can influence our friends, our families, and the community to make positive changes.

For more information and to request signs and posters please visit www.chgreenteam.org