by Katie Fleming

Community Engagement Director, Friends of the San Juans

Join Transition San Juan Island, Plastic Free Salish Sea, and millions of other people worldwide in reducing your plastic waste next month. 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.

Whether it’s committing to bring your own coffee cup to your favorite cafe, saying no thanks to a plastic straw and plastic bag, or stepping it up and committing to plastic-free purchasing during the month of July – everything makes a difference! Most importantly, have fun and share your ideas with others.

If you want to learn more about where our San Juan County garbage ends up and waste reduction solutions in the islands, join a virtual conversation with Ela and Linnea, recent graduates from Spring Street International School, on July 1 at 6:30 p.m. They conducted in-depth research as part of their Environmental Systems class and will chronicle their waste and recycling journey on the three biggest of the San Juan Islands. Register at https://sanjuans.org/upcoming-events.

The Transition San Juan Island waste team will also be at the San Juan Island Farmer’s Market on July 10 with giveaways, more information, and plastic-free inspiration!

You can find more ideas and toolkits for reducing plastic at home, work, schools and community events by visiting the Plastic Free Salish Sea website at: plasticfreesalishsea.org and Plastic Free July at plasticfreejuly.org. It’s also a great time to adopt a beach for regular clean-ups through Plastic Free Salish Sea!

Make sure you tag your waste reduction actions and ideas on social media in July with #sjcplasticfreejuly to help inspire others. For questions and to engage in this effort further as an individual, business, or organization contact Tina Fisher from the Transition San Juan Island Waste Reduction Team at Kristinamargareta40@gmail.com.