The Plastic Free July initiative aims to inspire individuals to be more conscious and mindful of the plastic products they use daily during July.
The South Antrim MLA has said: “Plastic waste is having a detrimental effect, not only on our local communities and wildlife, but also on a global environmental scale.
“It pollutes our waterways, harms marine life, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The widespread use of plastics and inappropriate waste management exacerbate the issue, leading to long-term consequences for ecosystems and human health.
“According to the UN Environment Programme, around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced yearly, which is forecasted to reach 1,100 million tonnes by 2050. Additionally, the BBC has reported that more than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now estimated to be floating in the world's oceans.
“Participating in Plastic Free July involves reducing our plastic footprint, employing measures such as reducing single-use plastics like straws, and choosing reusable versions of items like bags and water bottles. These initiatives not only help reduce litter on the streets, but also decrease the chances of animals mistaking plastic waste for food.
“By participating in Plastic Free July, we can all play a part in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. Let’s use the Plastic Free July to shape our attitude towards future plastic use.”