A Week Without Plastic? Roots & Shoots Thinks You Can Do It

Activists cautiously lauded China’s plans to ban single-use plastics, part of a multi-front effort to reduce landfill overflow in the country, but more than a few have pointed out the shortcomings: Is cutting out plastic bags and straws really enough?

Roots & Shoots has campaigned for plastic awareness in the past, but now that the movement seems to be gaining steam, this volunteer-driven initiative of the Jane Goodall Institute, in cooperation with Holland Park Consultants, is trying something different – encouraging people to try a taste of the plastic-free lifestyle for themselves.

In July, a global no-plastic month was held in which participants cut out single-use plastics altogether for an entire month, but that turned out to be a bit too long, and as anyone battling for change will tell you, realistic goals are a must. So, if you missed out, not to worry, because Roots & Shoots is holding their more manageable one-week challenge from Sep 1-7.

“It is a brilliant first step for governments to enact plastic bans, so far this only includes plastic bags and straws and, even then, just in major cities. Furthermore, places that sell fresh produce are exempt for another five years,” explained Issy Dickson, strategic partnerships coordinator with Roots & Shoots. “Policies are an effective way to push people in the right direction, but people must understand the reasons behind these policies and want to work together with their leaders in order to achieve lasting change.”

One key lesson that participants took away from the July challenge is that cutting out plastics takes a fair bit of planning. How are you going to carry your fruit to the scale without a plastic bag? How do you know what kind of container a waimai delivery will come in? If you’re as baffled by these questions as we are, then take refuge in the knowledge that you won’t be going it alone. Participants will tackle problems as a group, communicating via WeChat. What’s more, the most active members will be awarded a prize (environmentally friendly of course!).

Don't expect it to be a walk in the park though. "Single-use plastic has a habit of sneaking into our daily lives even when we don’t consciously choose to purchase or consume it," says Dickson. But hey, that's why they call it a challenge.

To get involved, sign up by clicking here. Anyone is welcome, and they also encourage teachers to sign up for their students under the age of 17 on their behalf. Now get out there and cut out the plastic!

READ: 24 Things I Stopped Buying to Go Zero Waste

Images: Tanvi Sharma (via UNSPLASH), courtesy of Roots and Shoots