Give Up Plastics
Americans generate over 36 million tons of plastic waste per year. (EPA 2023) Plastics are used to make a wide range of products, including appliances, furniture, and clothing, but packaging is the largest market for plastics and the largest source of plastic waste. Most of the plastic we use every day is used once and then discarded. Help us reduce waste and litter - Give Up Plastics!
The Give Up Plastics Challenge
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) challenges you to give up plastics by finding alternatives to single-use plastics. Even taking small steps can make a big difference.
Here are some ideas to Give Up Plastics:
- Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
- Recycle Right and only place acceptable recyclable items in your recycling bin and wheeled cart. Switch from #6 plastics - they are not recyclable in Montgomery County.
- Take a reusable bag when you go shopping instead of using plastic bags.
- Use durable, reusable silverware or a travel mug instead of disposable cutlery or cups.
- Buy in bulk as much as possible instead of buying single-serve or travel-sized items.
Share on Social
Share the #GiveUpPlastics challenge on social and tag DEP on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Here are some prompts to get you started. Graphics are available for download in 7 languages! Right-click on the links to download to share and use on social media, newsletters, websites, etc.
Reusable Bottles
- Did you know? It can take up to 500 years for plastics to break down in the environment. This #plasticfreejuly, give up plastics and choose a reusable bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles. Each time you refill, it's one less bottle used!
- More than a million plastic beverage bottles are sold every minute globally. One bottle may not seem like much, but you can help make a difference. Give up plastics and switch to a reusable bottle to help reduce single-use plastics! #plasticfreejuly
Reusable Bottles - Graphics (ZIP)
Reusable Straws
- If you don't need a straw, skip the straw! It's a simple step to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics every day! #plasticfreejuly
- One reusable straw can eliminate the need for hundreds of plastic ones! Give up plastics and try a reusable straw the next time you take a sip. #plasticfreejuly
Reusable Straws - Graphics (ZIP)
Reusable Bags
- In the US, millions of single-use plastic bags are used each year. Reusable shopping bags eliminate the need for plastic bags with every outing! Keeping a few in your car or by your front door will help you remember them and makes giving up plastics easy! #plasticfreejuly
- Just one reusable bag can eliminate the need for hundreds of single-use plastic bags. Cotton bags can be washed, insulated bags can keep cold items cool, and they take up less space than stashing plastic bags. Giving up plastics is easy when you bring your own bag! #plasticfreejuly
Reusable Bags- Graphics (ZIP)
Reusable Washable, Durable Containers
- Reusable, washable, and durable containers can help eliminate single-use plastic food containers, beverage cups, and more! Give up plastics and consider using your own containers when possible. #plasticfreejuly
- Say goodbye to single-use waste! Switching to washable, durable, and reusable containers saves the planet one meal at a time. #plasticfreejuly
Reusable Containers - Graphics (ZIP)
Buying in Bulk
- The next time you buy groceries, consider how many single-use plastics you could avoid if you bought food in bulk. One large container of food can easily be divided up at home into your own reusable, washable, and durable containers. #plasticfreejuly
- Save money, reduce single-use plastics, and enjoy convenience! Buying food in bulk means more value for your wallet and a sustainable lifestyle. #plasticfreejuly #giveupplastics
Bulk Shopping - Graphics (ZIP)