Plastic-Free July
We’re at the halfway point of Plastic-Free July, how are you doing?
You probably know about the huge problem we’re facing with plastic pollution, specifically single-use plastic litter. People seem to be aware of the need to recycle plastic when possible, that balloon releases are forbidden in Virginia, and that we’re seeing more compostable take-out containers being offered from restaurants.
We’ve learned to take along our reusable bags for groceries, keep metal or glass straws on hand, and bringing refillable water bottles to meetings, so what’s the next step? Share what you know, and learn what you don’t know!
It’s never too early to introduce sustainable practices to children in your life. If you like the picture above, you can print it as a coloring page for little ones to color. They may not understand the whole problem right now, but introducing the message with a coloring page is a good idea.
When it comes to school-age children, there are many resources available. For example, Keep Norfolk Beautiful loans “Plastics in our Environment Education Kit” for students in Grades 2-6. This kit introduces students to the many ways plastics can harm animals and encourages discussion to help broaden understanding. Available for loan to educators here. Available online is an activity sheet for Kindergarteners to experiment with two mason jars of water: one without trash and one with trash, for them to observe the difference.
Our own SAVE program (Students Ambassadors for Virginia’s Environment) will start up again with the 2024-25 school year program for high school Juniors and Senior from all across the state. We were so impressed with last semester’s students during our pilot program, and their genuine concern for the environment. We start them out right with a welcome package that includes a group Cleanup Kit — to pick up litter from the land before it gets in the water — and a Sustainability Sampler kit to try out products that help them avoid single-use plastics.
And you’re never too old to learn! Check out this book: “Am I Too Old to Save the Planet?: A Boomer’s Guide to Climate Action” by Lawrence MacDonald. The author of the book will talk about how the older generation can join the climate fight, and have fun doing it. The event will be held at the Ivy Creek Natural Area in the Education Building, 1780 Earlysville Road, Charlottesville on Sunday, July 28, 2024 in Charlottesville.
There’s always more we can learn about and share with others, and there’s no need to wait for next year’s Earth Day celebrations. At Keep Virginia Beautiful, we believe that every day is Earth Day!
