Plastic is a problem for our planet. Instead, let’s work together to be a part of the solution. Plastic Free July is a global movement to refuse single-use plastics to help usher in cleaner streets, waterways, and beautiful communities, for all. The movement has inspired more than 100 million participants in 190 countries. This month, your charity can be a part of Plastic Free July by making smarter choices about the fundraising merchandise you create and share with your supporters.
Plastic pollution is a challenge, but choosing more sustainable products doesn’t have to be. At Rocket Charities, we’re proud to offer eco-friendly alternatives for nearly all the most popular plastic products. We make it easy for your charity to help avoid plastic waste, and to encourage others to go plastic free along the way. Here’s just a few ways you can help make conscious merchandise choices and do your part during Plastic Free July.
Reusable Totes: Carry Smart
Every year, we use nearly five trillion plastic bags around the world. In fact, half of all plastic produced is designed for single-use purposes, according to the UN Environment Programme. During Plastic Free July, give people an opportunity to swap harmful plastic bags with functional, popular, colourful, and reusable tote bags.
At Rocket Charities, your team can choose from a range of options, from organic cotton shoppers to jute bags. For example, our Newchurch totes are made from 70% natural recycled cotton and 30% rPET, which is made from recycled plastic bottles.
When you choose a recycled shopper for your upcoming campaign, you’ll help divert PET plastic (like plastic food containers) that otherwise might end up in our oceans. After you decide on a style and material, make it your own! No matter which tote you select, you’ll have a large surface area on which to add your charity branding. Not only does this reduce our collective reliance on single-use plastic bags, but it also means that your supporters will broadcast your message wherever they go.
Reusable Water Bottles: Do Good While Drinking Well
Here’s another sobering statistic: Around the world, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. Single-use plastic bottles are a significant source of waste and pollution. In honour of Plastic Free July, give your supporters an eco-friendlier way to stay hydrated.
As with our reusable totes, we have a huge array of reusable water bottles to choose from, like our Natural Water Bottle which is made not from plastic but from sugar cane and bamboo. It’s got a large branding area for your charitable message and even features a biodegradable lid. With a high-quality, long-lasting reusable bottle, you’ll help reduce our dependence and use of plastic bottles and you’ll gain exposure and awareness for your charity.
Wooden Badges: A Stunning Twist on an Old Classic
Pin badges are one of the most popular merchandise options among the charities we work with. It’s no surprise—badges are affordable, highly visible, and desirable among supporters young and old. But many times, these pin badges are made from non-recycled plastic or other materials that will one day sit in landfills.
In honour of Plastic Free July, consider a fun alternative: the wooden badge! Like its plastic counterpart, our wooden badges are cost-effective, visible, and popular—with far less impact on our planet. Our bespoke wooden badges can be made in any size and shape from FSC certified MDF, and either laser engraved or printed with the design of your choice. You can even design a matching FSC paper-backed card for a stunning yet sustainable presentation. As a bonus, the natural wood material is unique and incredibly eye-catching.
Biodegradable Pens: Because Nearly Everyone Carries One
Here’s a fun fact: Nearly 75% of people always carry a writing instrument with them, according to an industry association. And more than 80% of people will keep and use a pen if it’s given to them as a gift. Pens are a fabulous choice for your next fundraising campaign or as a permanent offering in your charity shop. But, in honour of Plastic Free July, consider swapping the cheap, plastic pens for a biodegradable pen.
At Rocket Charities, we offer a popular and classic pen that is made from 80% biodegradable materials. It’s a brilliant way to broadcast your charitable message, especially among the three-quarters of people who carry a writing utensil every day. We offer a range of options, and every biodegradable pen can be printed with your logo. Some styles are even available in full colour.
So, will YOU accept the plastic free challenge? We hope so! How will your charity honour Plastic Free July? In what other ways are you making a conscious choice to refuse single-use plastics this month? We hope that you consider some of these merchandise alternatives. Who knows—finding eco-friendly alternatives today might lead to new habits forever. Please get in touch with us anytime to learn more about sustainable product swaps.