KUCHING: Local environmentalists are encouraging more Kuchingites to join the Plastic Free July campaign.
Plastic Free July is a global movement which asks the public to cut their consumption of plastic which is harmful to the environment throughout July.
Those who take the pledge are urged to stay away from using plastic for the entire month.
This global initiative is run by a non-profit organisation called The Plastic Free Foundation which was founded by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz in Australia in 2011.
It is designed to help millions of people to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution so that there will be cleaner streets, oceans and beautiful communities.
The main aim of this global challenge, according to Plastic Free Foundation, is to “kick-start long-lasting solutions and influence business and governments around the world to take action” to improve their environmental approach, including recycling.
Kelly Hiu, 20, a student and environmentalist, told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday that she was fully supporting the campaign.
“I found out about this global challenge last year when I became interested in the ‘no plastic straws’ initiatives.
“I started my Plastic Free July campaign first thing in the morning by using my adorable Christmas reusable cup from Starbucks for my drinks today.
“Of course, Kuchingites are encouraged to take part in this campaign and challenge as well.
“People in this era seem to be more likely to participate in something when it becomes a challenge.
“Take for example the #TrashTag challenge. People from all over the world are jumping on the bandwagon by picking up trash at beaches, parks or even roadsides to complete the challenge,” she added.
Hui said that it would not be hard for people to take part in the Plastic Free July campaign as long as they were well-informed about it.
Meanwhile, Luqman Hakim Zulkifli, 23, a pro-plastic free environmentalist, was happy that Plastic Free Foundation from Australia was running the challenge.
“I found out about this global challenge last month when I was searching on the internet for more global campaigns or global challenges.
“Yes, Kuchingites should try their very best to take part in this challenge and campaign because I believe this is the right time for them to learn more about plastic-free campaigns and to stop using non-reusable straws. Instead, they should bring their own containers when buying outside food to save the environment.
“It does not have to be something very drastic. Kuchingites can always start small and slowly.
“I feel that when we start doing something, we are indirectly educating people around us and the public about it through our actions.
“In this case, people will notice our actions and exposure is always a good thing,” he explained.
Luqman added that eateries in Kuching should use this opportunity to become more environmentally-friendly.
“Eateries around Kuching can reduce the use of plastic and introduce new ways for their customers to be more plastic-free as well. For example, they can charge customers slightly lower prices when the latter bring their own containers,” he said.
Those who are interested can visit www.plasticfreejuly.org for more information about the Plastic Free July challenge.
