Plastic-Free July is a nationwide movement that encourages individuals, businesses and communities to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and adopt reusable alternatives.
Ironically, plastic was initially invented to protect wildlife — as a substitute for ivory, thereby preventing elephant poaching. But today, when you Google “plastic,” you’ll find heartbreaking images of animals entangled in plastic, starving with stomachs full of synthetic waste.
We are now finding microplastics in our food, air and water — and, therefore, in our bodies. Scientists are linking plastic exposure to hormonal disruptions, birth defects, diabetes and learning disabilities. Some experts warn it may take generations to purge plastics from our DNA.
History of plastic
- 1869 – John Wesley Hyatt invented the first synthetic polymer as a substitute for ivory.
- World War II (1940s) – Plastic production in the U.S. increases by 300%.
- 1960s – Plastics are first documented in the ocean.
- 1980s – Public concern for plastic pollution surges; the plastic industry introduces “recycling” to calm backlash.
- 2025 – Less than 7% of plastic water bottles make it into the recycling bin in Monroe County.
Plastic crisis in the Florida Keys
- Plastic recycling is at an all-time low.
- Plastics are visible along roadsides, beaches, mangroves and waterways throughout the Keys.
- Wildlife and marine ecosystems are suffering daily from plastic ingestion and entanglement.
Small shifts, big impact
- Switch to reusable bags instead of plastic shopping bags.
- Bring your coffee mug to cafés — Starbucks offers 10% off when you do.
- Use a refillable water bottle — your water stays colder and tastes better.
- Buy in bulk and avoid individually packaged products (e.g., buy a quart of yogurt instead of 4 packs).
- Encourage your favorite restaurant to join the Skip the Stuff Summer Initiative, where:
- Utensils, straws, plastic bags, condiment packets, and napkins are provided upon request only.
- Businesses benefit from lower waste, reduced costs and promotional support from: Monroe County, Islamorada and Key West, Monroe County Tourist Development Council, NOAA, Scouts and 20-plus Florida Keys environmental organizations
Every action counts
The plastic problem is overwhelming, but every single action matters. Reducing your plastic use this July (and beyond) helps protect our unique Florida Keys environment, our wildlife, and our health.
Let’s skip the plastic and opt for reuse instead. Learn more about the Skip the Stuff Summer campaign by scanning the QR code.
