July is “Plastic Free July” – a worldwide movement encouraging people and businesses to break free from single-use plastics like bags, cups, bottles and straws.

Sure, these items make life convenient in the moment, but their environmental cost is staggering. Here’s the reality – millions of tons of plastic are produced every year, and much of it takes hundreds of years to break down. Even then, it doesn’t disappear – it becomes microplastics that continue polluting our environment. While some plastics get recycled, far too many end up in landfills, or worse, scattered along our roadsides after being carelessly tossed from car windows.

For your children and grandchildren’s future, here are easy ways to reduce your plastic footprint.

– Before accepting that plastic bag at the grocery store, pharmacy, or convenience shop, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” Often, the answer is no. When you do need to carry items, bring your own reusable bags. If you must accept a plastic bag, take it to your town’s recycling center instead of throwing it in the trash.

– Rethink you water bottle. Beverage companies have convinced us that paying for bottled water is somehow better, and that their water tastes superior to what comes from our taps. As a practical New Englander, I’ve never bought into this marketing. You’ll be amazed at how much money you save by using a reusable water bottle and refilling it at home or work.

The same principle applies to coffee. Whether you brew at home or visit your local coffee shop, bringing your own insulated cup saves money while protecting the environment. There’s something genuinely satisfying about this simple act of responsibility.

I encourage you to spend this July exploring alternatives to single-use plastics. What starts as a month-long experiment often becomes a lifelong habit – one that benefits both your wallet and our planet. Small changes add up to massive impact when we all participate.

Thank you for considering these simple steps and for helping create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Rick Fecowicz is a member of the Peterborough Recycling Committee.