Plastic Free July requires systemic change, not just consumer action

According to a recent analysis, while Plastic Free July aims to reduce plastic consumption, it requires action from governments and businesses, as well as consumers, to have a tangible impact.

Bhavna Middha and Ralph Horne write for The conversation.

In summary:

• Without systemic change, individual efforts during Plastic Free July will not be enough to combat plastic pollution.
• To reduce plastic waste, governments and companies must regulate and redesign their production and distribution systems.
• Effective solutions must take into account the essential role that plastics play in our daily lives and avoid disadvantaging vulnerable populations.

Key quote:

“Consumers should not have to bear sole responsibility for plastic pollution. Individual sacrifices – especially temporary ones – will not make much difference.”

— Bhavna Middha, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University and Ralph Horne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the College of Design & Social Context, RMIT University.

Why this is important:

Focusing solely on consumer actions overlooks the need for comprehensive policy action and industry responsibility to create sustainable environmental change. Effectively addressing plastic pollution requires comprehensive, systematic reforms that protect both the environment and vulnerable populations. Read more: A plastic recipe for societal suicide.