Plastic Free February

Plastic Free February

What is Plastic-Free February?

Every year, CLEAR Community rises to the challenge of avoiding single-use plastic (as far as possible) for the month of February – and we’re asking YOU to do the same!

It isn’t easy but by really examining your plastic habits, you realise just how much plastic we consume on a daily basis. Many people who take part report that it leads to lasting changes of habits and a shift of perspective, discovering more ways to live a sustainable, waste-free life, like switching to solid bar shampoos, or never leaving home without a reusable coffee cup.

Why should we reduce our use of plastic?

Over 300 million tons of plastic is produced annually and at least 14 million tons of it ends up in the oceans each year. The UK exports over 60% of its plastic waste: our plastic ends up being dumped in other parts of the world and entering the oceans or being incinerated, adding to the climate crisis and air pollution:

Will it really make any difference?

It’s very difficult to avoid plastic altogether, but by committing to drastically reducing plastic consumption this February we hope to inspire lasting change. By adding all our changes together and campaigning against single-use plastic locally, nationally and globally we can make a real difference.

“My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?”

David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

Giving up plastic seems impossible!

Having done this since 2018 we know how difficult giving up plastic can be. This year we’ve put together an e-booklet of ideas and suggestions to help you reduce your plastic footprint this for Plastic-Free February 2023 – and beyond.

Here are just a few examples of what we can do:

  • Use bamboo toothbrushes and floss, and toothpaste in jars
  • Use solid bar soap, deodorant and shampoo
  • Switch to re-usable water bottles and coffee cups
  • Buy loose vegetables and fruit, without packaging
  • Get milk and yoghurt in glass bottles

OK you’ve convinced me to reduce my plastic usage – now what?

Read our Plastic-Free February PDF e-booklet here – it’s full of tips, ideas and mind-blowing stats!

Once you’ve read the booklet, make your pledges and share with us on social media by using the #PlasticFreeFebruary hashtag and tagging us on your post

Good luck with your plastic-free challenge this February!

If you want some inspiration:

  • take a look at our blog for Plastic-Free February 2021 in which some of our Volunteers and Trustees set out their commitment to make at least one change to kick their plastic habits.
  • Surfers against Sewage have created a plastic-free communities map and scheme – take a look to see if you can join your local area’s group, or start your own