Sustainability Editor Vogue CS Petra Němcová exclusively about #PlasticFreeJuly

Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers millions of people to choose a future with cleaner communities and oceans through refusing single-use plastics.

It’s about learning and applying a plastic reduction in all aspects of our lives on individual and corporate levels. As an individual with just a few smart swaps, we can make much difference in the amount of plastic we produce which pollutes our planet and our own health in several ways.  

And if you think you can’t make a difference here is a great quote for you. “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

We just had a family picnic and here are few easy ideas for a plastic-free picnic. Many of these items I use every day in a kitchen and when I travel. 

We have this idea that if we are good and recycle that plastic it will be taken care of in the right way. Separating and recycling plastic is extremely complexed and as a result, in the US only 7-9 % of plastic gets recycled and worldwide 10 %. 

Where does the plastic end up? Polluting our earth, oceans, and our bodies. 

Did you hear about the 5 great islands made from garbage? One in the Indian Ocean, two in the Atlantic Ocean, and two in the Pacific Ocean. They’re different sizes but for example, the Great pacific patch is three times the size of France. Micro-plastics make up 94 percent of an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the patch. But that's only 8 percent of the total weight. 

You may have heard that if we don’t make changes by 2050 there will be more plastic then fish in the ocean. If you have children you will do everything to reverse this reality. 

If you are without offsprings... Why it should matter to you? Microplastic which I mentioned has been found in apples, carrots, and lettuce, and a study from the University of Newcastle found that we consume 5 grams of plastic a week. It is the equivalent of eating a credit card every week.  

Plastic is harming us at least twice. When we consume from plastic containers as it has toxic BPA and now also through eating microplastic too. 

I can go on with reasons why, but I prefer to focus my energy on how and put all into actions which will make a positive ripple effect on our lives and of course on our planet and people. 

I started with a few changes such as refillable water bottles, bamboo straws, etc., and now I have implemented changes in all parts of my life. I’m no-wear perfect, learning every day and I’m inspired by people like Lauren Singer who is able to fit four years of her trash in one small jar. 

If you can commit to eliminating during #PlasticFreeJuly these big four: single-use plastic straws, coffee cups, grocery bags, or water bottles you will make a huge ripple effect. 

Please share with me your questions and ideas. That is a wrap!