Plastic Free July
Construction sites go through a huge range of materials every day. Timber, steel and plasterboard are the obvious ones, but it's the everyday items like plastic packaging, water bottles, coffee cups and lunch wrappers that can quietly add up. Plastic has become a part of everyday life because it's often the quickest, easiest option. The problem is that much of it is only used once before ending up in landfill or finding its way into our rivers and oceans. Wildlife, waterways and the environment all feel the impact long after we've finished with it.
While not every bit of plastic can be avoided, there are plenty of simple ways to reduce single use plastic. That's exactly what Plastic Free July is all about. Started in Australia in 2011, the campaign has grown into a global movement, encouraging millions of people to reduce single use plastics through small, practical changes. It isn't about being perfect but about making better choices where you can and building habits that last beyond July. If you'd like to join the challenge or find more ideas, visit Plastic Free July.
Five easy ways to make a difference:
1. Bring a reusable water bottle Probably the easiest win. Refill stations are becoming more common on sites, and a sturdy reusable bottle can replace hundreds of disposable ones each year.
2. Swap takeaway cups for a reusable mug That morning coffee tastes just as good (or better) in a reusable cup. Many cafés even offer discounts for bringing your own.
3. Pack your lunch Bringing lunch in reusable containers cuts down on plastic packaging and usually saves money too.
4. Recycle correctly Not all plastics can be recycled, but many can. Make sure waste is separated properly and use the recycling facilities available on site whenever possible.
5. Speak to suppliers If you're ordering materials regularly, ask suppliers whether they can reduce unnecessary packaging or offer reusable alternatives.
It's easy to think one person can't make much of a difference. But every change starts somewhere. One person brings a reusable bottle, someone else follows, and before long it just becomes part of the way the team works. That's how habits change, and how industries change too.