By UW Recycling | Jun 29, 2020
zero waste supplies

Join UW Recycling, UW Sustainability, and The Whole U this month in committing to reduce plastic use

As July hits the Pacific Northwest, it means more sun, more time outside and for sustainable-minded folks, less plastic. Join UW Recycling, UW Sustainability and the WholeU in lowering our plastic waste during Plastic Free July.

Plastic Free July speaks for itself: avoid using or buying plastic during the month of July. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people learn about the problems of plastic production and consumption. It also promotes lowering plastic use and how individuals can reduce plastic pollution by making small lifestyle changes.

Poster: The story of plasticTo kick off the month, the UW departments are hosting a free screening of the critically acclaimed documentary The Story of Plastic followed by an informative seminar and discussion via Zoom. Produced by the Story of Stuff Project, The Story of Plastic is a 95 minute film that takes a sweeping look at the man-made crisis of plastic pollution and the worldwide effect it has on the health of our planet and the people who inhabit it.

Following the film screening, join UW Recycling for a discussion about the current state of plastic recycling, ways we can reduce plastic use in our daily lives and beyond, and dive into the messages shared in the documentary film. The discussion is on July 9 from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Update: Watch the recording of this event below.

In addition to the film screening and discussion, UW Recycling will be devoting their social media to plastic information and reducing plastic waste during the month of July. Follow their Instagram or Facebook to learn tips and tricks to limit plastic consumption and enter to win giveaways.

Plastic-free July bingo cardThroughout the entire month of July, the Whole U invites you to commit to reducing plastic consumption and challenge yourself to completely check off this bingo card! Check off each box after you complete the task. If you complete a line of 5 in any direction, share on social media and tag @UWRecycling for a chance to win a prize!

Later in the month, join UW Recycling during their virtual office hours: Trash Talk Tuesdays. Bring all of your waste or recycling related questions and UW Recycling will help you determine how to reduce, reuse and recycle your waste. For the July sessions, UW Recycling asks that you bring any question you’ve ever had about plastic! Trash Talk Tuesdays occur every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, from 12 to 1 p.m.

(Note: The Whole U registration requires a UW NetID.)