Plastic Free July engaged 174 million participants across 190 countries, including strong involvement from Australian banks and organisations, making it one of the most far-reaching global campaigns to tackle plastic waste this year.
According to the Plastic Free Foundation, participants collectively reduced 1.7 million tonnes of landfill waste and 1.2 million tonnes of recyclable waste, including 390,000 tonnes of plastic.
Participants of the month-long campaign reduced waste by an average of 16kg per person annually, representing a 3.8 per cent decrease. These reductions, the organisation claims, outpace the impact of the world’s largest plastic cleanup efforts combined.
Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, executive director of the Plastic Free Foundation, said the campaign’s 2024 uptake reflects widespread public concern about plastic pollution and the need for global action. “People care about this crisis and want to make a difference, but they can’t do it alone. With final talks on a global treaty to end plastic pollution happening in South Korea, it’s time for countries to commit to ambitious and binding agreements,” she said.
Survey data commissioned by the Plastic Free Foundation through Ipsos Global Advisor revealed that 29 per cent of global respondents were aware of the campaign, with 57 per cent of those aware taking part. This marks a significant rise in participation since 2018. High engagement was reported in countries such as China, Indonesia, the USA, Germany, India, the UK, and Brazil.
Plastic Free July has seen participation from schools, corporations, and organisations like NASA’s Johnson Space Center, with Australia contributing prominently to the initiative. The campaign continues to drive behavioural change, fostering community engagement and advocating for systemic transformations.
The Plastic Free Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, champions the campaign and continues to expand its reach through community engagement, policy advocacy, and global partnerships.
