This month is Plastic Free July and Oxford householders are being reminded of the ways they can reduce their plastic waste.

Plastic Free July started in Australia in 2011 and has grown into a worldwide initiative.

The campaign is encouraging millions of people to avoid single-use plastics and find sustainable alternatives where possible.

READ MORE: Oxford University climate survey shows majority want action

Mish Tullar, head of corporate strategy at Oxford City Council, said: “Plastic Free July is a great time to reflect on one’s own plastic use and how we can reduce the amount we use.

"There are many different initiatives and organisations across Oxford that residents can get involved in.

"Why not give it a go, and try only using refills stations to fill up your water bottle this July, or exploring your local refill shop.”

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to cut down on plastic waste is by using water refill stations instead of buying plastic water bottles.

Oxford City Council has installed numerous refill locations across the city, especially in parks such as Florence Park, Bury Knowle, and Cutteslowe Park.

Providing free water refills can help tackle single-use plastic waste by allowing people to keep reusing their drinking bottles, or just to grab a drink at the fountain without needing to buy a container.

Clean, safe drinking water is also the healthiest way to stay hydrated, with no hidden sugars or additives.

MORE STORIES: Rishi Sunak visits Morrisons supermarket on Oxfordshire campaign trail

The water fountains in parks are also part of the wider Refill network - a scheme, which is trying to promote places where people can access free tap water in cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants, community and leisure centres.

The initiative is trying to reduce the number of plastic water bottles bought in the UK each year. 

In Oxford it is estimated that is equal to 300 bottles every eight minutes - 54,000 bottles every 24 hours.

Oxford residents can also reduce their plastic by taking their own containers and jars through refill shops such as Oxunboxed in Oxford’s Covered Market, Flos Refill shop, Headington Fairtrade, Oxfam Superstore, Wild Honey, Waitrose on Botley road, and East Oxford Farmer’s Market.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers, reducing the need for single-use plastic packaging, and can fill up a range of items including shampoo, washing up liquid, rice, pasta, nuts, chocolate, olive oil, and more.

Shopping at these refill stations can not only cut down plastic, use but also helps to support local businesses.

A final way to tackle plastic pollution is by taking part in litter-picking.

Organisations like OxClean organise litter-picking activities that target areas plagued by plastic waste. These events not only tidy up the city, but they also help to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

Residents can also take part in the annual Spring Clean, or can take part in occasional or regular litter picks either as an individual or a group.

Oxford Climate Awards 

The Oxford Mail and The Oxford Times join forces to announce the launch of the inaugural Oxford Climate Awards which will be hosted at Oxford Town Hall on October 17.

We are proudly supported by LocalIQ, the commercial arm of our wider business, and headline sponsor Oxford City Council.

These are the following categories: 

  • Sustainable Small Business of the Year Award
  • Sustainable Medium Business of the Year Award
  • Innovation In Climate Action Award
  • Sustainable Primary School of the Year
  • Sustainable Secondary School of the Year
  • Sustainable Further Education School/College of the Year
  • Biodiversity And Ecology Award
  • Green Building & Design Award
  • Climate Community Group Award
  • Green Transport Award
  • Youth Climate Action Champion
  • Climate Action Champion

Alongside the spotlight on each award, we feature our categories sponsors who we are delighted to have on board and make this amazing event happen.

The closing date for nominations is Sunday, August 11 and entry forms can be found here: www.oxfordmail.co.uk/climate-awards

The awards will culminate in a prestigious black-tie event on October 17, 2024, at Oxford Town Hall.

This elegant evening will honour the outstanding achievements of our nominees and reveal the winners across various categories, celebrating their exceptional contributions to sustainability and climate action.

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