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​More than 100,000 Western Australians prepare to go plastic free

Millions worldwide take the challenge every year

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has today launched Plastic Free July, calling on individuals, organisations and businesses to actively reduce their consumption of single-use plastics.

Plastic Free July was developed by the Western Metropolitan Regional Council in 2011, commencing with 40 participants.

The campaign has since been adopted globally with more than a million participants in more than 130 countries.

Participants can choose to refuse single-use plastics for 31 days in July or accept the challenge for a week or a day.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.plasticfreejuly.org

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"There are a number of ways we can all help reduce waste every day including bringing your own reusable shopping bags, remembering reusable coffee cups and water bottles, and avoiding pre-packaged fruit and vegetables.

"Plastic Free July is a fantastic homegrown challenge and is a great way to avoid landfill, reduce our eco-footprint and protect the ocean from plastic pollution."

Comments attributed to Plastic Free July co-founder Rebecca Prince-Ruiz:

"A staggering 100 kilograms of plastic packaging - including plastic containers, water bottles, plastic bags or disposable coffee cups - are used by householders every year.

"Those plastics break up not break down, are mostly down-cycled and end up in landfill or worse 'escape', with scientists predicting there will be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans by 2050.

"Plastic Free July is creating conversations and education around the issues of plastic pollution and more importantly has resulted in a wave of community action."

Minister's office - 6552 5800