Woman shopping in a zero waste store

We're challenging staff, students and the local community to give up single use plastics for one week

1 July 2022

2 min read

Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of the University’s Revolution Plastics initiative, is urging staff, students and Portsmouth residents to take up the challenge of Plastic Free July by pledging to give up single use plastics for one week during the month.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. The initiative provides resources and ideas to help people reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. An estimated 140 million people from 190 countries take part in the challenge.

Professor Fletcher said: “Taking notice of how many single-use plastics you encounter, and avoiding them where possible, can collectively make a big difference. Even if you try the challenge for a few days, you may find alternatives and form new habits that you’ll keep.”

Taking notice of how many single-use plastics you encounter, and avoiding them where possible, can collectively make a big difference

Professor Steve Fletcher, Director of Revolution Plastics at the University of Portsmouth

This cause is at the core of Revolution Plastics, which is dedicated to finding solutions to the world’s plastic problem. Revolution Plastics is assembling teams of scientists, business leaders, campaigners and citizens who share the same ambition to transform the way plastic is made, used and disposed.

Professor Fletcher said: “Plastic Free July highlights the prevalence of plastics in our daily lives, and offers an opportunity to make informed decisions about how to establish more sustainable lifestyles. It would be great to get as many people as possible involved in Plastic Free July and discover how we can change our relationship with plastics.”

You can get involved via the Plastic Free July website

Revolution Plastics will be sharing top tips for reducing single use plastics and advice on actions you can take. Follow Revolution Plastics on Twitter.