~Try to avoid buying plastic products throughout July~

Fairfax County, VA – Have you ever thought about seeing how long you can go without buying plastic products? Perhaps 31 days. Throughout the month of July, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is encouraging everyone to avoid buying products made of and packaged in plastic. Due in part to confusing trash and recycling guidelines, 70% of the plastic products we buy end up in the trash to be either incinerated or landfilled. Another 20% “escapes” as litter to pollute the environment. And only less than 10% goes into the recycling bin for repurposing.

If you cannot easily avoid products made of and packaged in plastic, consider declining the single-use plastic straws, cups, and utensils when you order take-out this month. Single-use plastic is essentially throw-away plastic. Consider using your own reusable serviceware instead.

Got leftovers? Store and heat food in ceramic or glass containers. All plastic containers are made of chemicals some of which can leach into food, especially when heated.

Thirsty? Our tap water here in Fairfax County is very safe to drink. This month drink water from a reusable and refillable water bottle. Disposable plastic bottles account for 14% of all plastic waste that end up in our waterways. Moreover, disposable plastic bottles potentially shed hundreds of thousands of tiny plastic particles that pass into our bodies and can be harmful to our long-term health.

For more information on the negative impacts of plastic and to learn about healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternatives, check out:

Plastic | Public Works and Environmental Services (fairfaxcounty.gov)

For more information on plastic free July and how YOU can participate, check out: Plastic Free July - Clean Fairfax Council