Post written by Sophia Tirella, Intern, Clean Fairfax

The Plastic Free July® (PFJ) campaign invites millions around the globe to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution, and Clean Fairfax encourages you to join the movement.

We challenge you to increase your awareness and follow it up with ACTION! Learn where plastic pollution comes from, why it's so damaging to human and environmental health and what kind of changes you can make. By participating in Plastic Free July and choosing to break up with plastic, you participate in creating a cleaner, greener community – and Clean Fairfax is here to help you get started!

What is Plastic Free July? 

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Clean Fairfax is pleased to promote Plastic Free July and encourages all members of the Fairfax community to refuse single-use plastics (things like shopping bags, disposable water bottles, and plastic drinking straws). While the campaign happens in July, the goal is to work on small lifestyle changes to make smart, sustainable choices. 

How Can You Make an Impact?

Getting started is easy! This year’s PFJ campaign focuses on “Small steps, big difference.” Your everyday decisions around plastic consumption have a greater impact than you know. Plastic Free July encourages you to choose one or two single-use plastic items to avoid – it’s all about setting achievable goals that will spark a life-long change. Here are some steps to take to break up with plastic for good:

• Refusing Single-Use: Simply put, use less single-use plastic! Bring your own bag, water bottle, container, utensils, etc. with you and encourage others to do the same.
• Choosing to Reuse: Try to reuse or repurpose items such as plastic containers or grocery bags. Opt for durable, long-lasting alternatives.
• Recycling Correctly: Take time to learn the accepted recyclables in your area, and research where to take special hard-to-recycle items like paint, electronics, and even plastic bags. The “chasing arrows” recycling symbol doesn't necessarily mean you can toss it into the blue bin!
• Civic Engagement: Use your voice to advocate for smart solutions to plastic pollution! Make sure you know who represents you at all levels of government and keep in touch with them about ways we can all break up with single use plastics.

Another fun and easy way to participate is to find Clean Fairfax at your local Fairfax County farmers market! Clean Fairfax will provide information about the PFJ campaign and resources on plastic pollution at the Market Managers tents at all markets and will be hosting an in-person challenge at the Lorton, Kingstowne, and Annandale farmers markets (with the opportunity to win sustainable prizes!). Use their tent as a one-stop shop for all the information you need to break up with plastic; grab some reusable produce bags, explore data on how plastic has impacted Fairfax streams, and learn what easy changes you can make to your plastic consumption.


Join us in making a difference this Plastic Free July and beyond. Small steps lead to big differences!

More Resources:

• Litter Free Virginia
• Fairfax County Recycling Information
• Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's Waste page

Sophia Tirella is a summer intern at Clean Fairfax, supporting the Plastic Free July campaign at local farmers markets. She is a recent graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Animal Science and Earth Sustainability.

Clean Fairfax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to encourage environmental stewardship and urban sustainability through education, programming, and community involvement. This involves litter prevention efforts, supporting the right way to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and serving as a clearing house for environmental information in Fairfax County and beyond. 

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.