LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Mayor Greenberg and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is launching a new initiative this July in effort to support the city’s sustainability goals. Plastic Free July is a strategic plan to remove plastic waste, promote sustainable options, and rethink consumption habits.
It’s a global initiative aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives, the release said. In 2023, the Louisville Metro Council passed a resolution that encouraged consumer education and reducing plastics. According to Louisville Metro Government’s (LMG) Waste Characterization Study (2018), 87,203 tons of plastic were collected from residential trash receptacles in one year, making up 14% of the total waste stream generated in the county.
Greenberg is excited to see the relationship between consumers and businesses develop throughout this time.
“Plastic Free July is a great opportunity for everyone to recognize their power as consumers and businesses to contribute to a greener and healthier city,” Greenberg said. “We are thankful to businesses like Momma’s Mustard, Pickles, and BBQ for leading the way by providing healthier and more sustainable options for their customers.”
Momma’s Mustard, Pickles, and BBQ was able to join the movement by already investing in sustainable materials.
Other Louisville businesses are partnered with Greenberg’s mission and urge participants to join them.
“Beyond Plastics Louisville (BPL) is excited to partner with the Metro Office of Sustainability in promoting the 2024 Plastic Free July campaign,” Representative from the Louisville chapter of Beyond Plastics Mary Anne Jolly said. “Throughout July, BPL will share tips for plastic-free living on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We are encouraging our committee’s members to share sustainable swap selfies with the OS. On July 18, BPL will host a screening of the documentary ‘We’re All Plastic People Now’ at the Highlands-Shelby branch of the Louisville Free Public Library.”
“Plastic Free July isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress!” Sumedha Rao, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability said. “Join us in exploring fun, cost-saving alternatives to single-use plastics this month that will make our city a cleaner, greener, and healthier place. The Office of Sustainability is thankful to be working with partners such as Metro Council, Solid Waste Management Services, Brightside, Public Health and Wellness, Beyond Plastics Louisville, and numerous business leaders to advance awareness and action on this issue.”
To take part in ‘Plastic Free July,’ people are encouraged to avoid plastic bottles, bags, straws, packaging, and choose reusable or bio-degradable options.
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