Take the Plastic-Free July Challenge!
Plastic pollution is a growing crisis that affects every part of our planet. Millions of tons of plastic waste pollute our landscapes and waterways annually, lasting for hundreds — sometimes thousands — of years! Canada is one of the highest generators of plastic waste per capita, but at TMU we believe we can take steps toward transformative change.
Our Sustainability Action Plan sets a bold target to achieve zero-waste by 2035 and eliminating single-use plastics and reducing plastic consumption are key strategies that can help us achieve that goal. Plastic-Free July (external link) is a global movement to help us re-evaluate our use of plastics and develop new routines to reduce our reliance on plastic products for everyday living at home and on campus.
Small steps, big difference: How the Plastic-Free July challenge works
We’re inviting students, faculty and staff to sign up for Plastic-Free July. Those who sign up will:
- Get emails direct to your inbox that share important information about the impact of our day-to-day actions.
- Be provided with weekly challenges for beginner and expert level that can be applied at home or on campus.
- Get practical information on how we can make more sustainable choices, adjust long-standing patterns and adopt new practices.
Participate as an individual or a team to strengthen your accountability.
Can we really make a difference? Yes!
The Plastic Free Foundation surveys results of the global Plastic-Free July campaign. The (PDF file) Impact Report 2022 (external link) shows an estimated 140 million people from 195 countries signed up with 88% of participants making at least one lasting change. They reduced their waste production by 4.1% per person or 18 kgs of household waste and recycling per year.
Participants in Plastic-Free July are 21% more likely to adopt long-term plastic-waste-avoidance behaviours. Reducing our “plastic footprint” brings us closer to our zero-waste goal by lowering our waste production and encouraging the use of reusable alternatives to disposable plastics. It also supports TMU’s net-zero emissions goal by lowering the energy consumption and emissions generated in our value chain from the extraction of raw materials, fabrication, transportation, disposal and recycling of the plastics we use.
All meaningful actions can result in significant change when they are consistent and amplified through collective action.
Share your successes
Are you ready to become a plastic-free superstar? Join us in our mission to combat plastic pollution! Take photos and document your journey to inspire others. Send them to sustainability@torontomu.ca and your efforts will be highlighted in our Plastic-Free July round-up on the Sustainability website and on our Instagram page.
Participants will be featured on the Sustainability website and awarded a Plastic-Free July badge, which can be displayed in your signature lines!
Make a difference — Sign up to take the Plastic-Free July challenge!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference. Sign up now (external link) and let's make this Plastic-Free July a success!
#PlasticFreeJuly