Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans and beautiful communities.
Throughout July, we will be highlighting the 5Rs of zero waste: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle.
Repair
Repairing items instead of throwing them away helps extend their lifespan. This reduces the need to buy new products and in turn, decreases the demand for raw materials.
What you can do:
- Keep products in good working order to extend their life.
- Check whether broken electronics or furniture can be repaired before throwing them out.
- Learn how to mend your clothes - fixing a hem or sewing on a loose button can help your clothes last longer.
- Look out for community workshops like our Sustainability Saturday series, where you can learn useful repair skills.
Refuse
Refuse
Refusing is the first and most effective action in reducing plastic waste. It's better to prevent the creation of a plastic problem than to manage it later.
This means minimising the waste we produce by taking steps such as reducing consumption, choosing durable products and opting for items that are easier to repair or reuse. It encourages us to think about the environmental impact of our choices and to seek more sustainable alternatives.
What you can do:
- Before making a purchase, ask yourself: Do I really need this?
- Consider the lifecycle of the product and its environmental footprint. Are there more sustainable alternatives? For instance, shampoo is often sold in plastic containers. Have you thought about using a refillable bottle, switching to shampoo bars or choosing packaging made from more sustainable materials like glass or stainless steel?
- Say “No” single-use items like plastic cutlery or take away cups and instead bring your own reuseable options.
Reduce
Reduce focuses on minimising the amount of waste we produce. It encourages us to buy less and choose products with minimal packaging or those that are more durable and long-lasting.
Plastic products such as toys, furniture and clothing are often cheaper, but they may not last as long as items made from other materials. As a result, they can wear out or need replacing more frequently, contributing to more waste.
What you can do:
- Consider items made from more durable materials instead of plastic.
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging and opt for products with minimal or no single-use plastic packaging.
- Purchase your fruit and vegetables loose rather than prepackaged - it’s often cheaper too! You can also take your own reusable bags when shopping.
Reuse
Reusing means finding ways to use items instead of throwing them away. It involves extending the life of products or components by continuing to use them for longer, extending their lifespan, which reduces the need to buy new items.
One simple habit many people already do is using a reuseable water bottle. Reusing can also mean giving items you no longer need a second life - by donating, selling, repurposing or even sharing them instead of buying new ones.
What you can do:
- Reuse jars and containers for storage instead of buying new ones.
- Donate old clothes and furniture or repurpose them - old t-shirts can be become cleaning cloths and wooden furniture can be turned into shelving.
Recycle
Recycling involves collecting and processing materials from existing products to create new ones, reducing the need for raw materials in the production process. We are all familiar with kerbside recycling, which accepts many products made from paper, glass, steel and aluminium, and certain plastics.
However, many other materials can also be recycled—but not through your kerbside bin. These include soft plastics, polystyrene, blister packs, razor blades, corks, batteries, footwear, textiles, and more. With just a little extra effort, these items can be diverted from landfill too.
What you can do:
- At home, sort your used products and packaging correctly to ensure recyclables are processed properly. Setting up a recycling station can help teach children the importance of recycling and involve them in the process.
- Keep your recycling loose and out of plastic bags—this helps ensure more of it can be recycled.
- Support products made from recycled materials and stay informed about local recycling programs.
- For more information on what you can recycle in Greater Dandenong, visit the Recycling page on the Greater Dandenong Council website.
- Download the Recycle Mate app to find drop-off locations for items you might not have realised are recyclable.