Plastic Free July is a global movement that empowers individuals to take action against plastic pollution, creating cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. In 2026, the challenge has grown to over 170 million participants across 190 countries, and studies show that 86% of participants keep the habits they build during the month for good.
Cause driven marketing has been core to Oniracom since day one. We co-founded this agency in 2001 working alongside Jack Johnson on the environmental initiatives woven into his music career, and that same commitment to the planet has shaped who we choose to work with ever since. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of building brands, campaigns, and platforms for organizations fighting plastic pollution at every scale, from a single artist’s tour rider to statewide policy change. We’re proud to help reduce plastic waste in the entertainment industry and support NGOs, artists, venues, and for-profits in acting sustainably.
We’ve compiled a list of 6 ways to celebrate and participate in Plastic Free July this year, with a few of our own clients and partners along the way. Read on to get inspired and join in on the activities below:
1. Catch “Seaweed Stories” at CEC’s Environmental Hub
Deepen your understanding of the plastic crisis and ocean health at the Community Environmental Council’s “Seaweed Stories” Film Screening and Panel Discussion, happening this week at CEC’s Environmental Hub (1219 State St., Santa Barbara). Oniracom has served as CEC’s strategic and creative marketing partner for over 14 years, and this event is part of their A Year of Active Hope series, a great way to connect with fellow local sustainability advocates.
2. Skip the Plastic at Concerts This Summer
Fans have the power to reduce the significant amount of single-use plastic waste generated at music events, promoting a more eco-friendly and sustainable music industry while inspiring others to do the same.
For decades, Oniracom has supported initiatives to combat plastic pollution in the entertainment industry, and we’re proud that so many of them are longtime clients and friends. Kokua Hawaii Foundation and its Kokua Festival, Plastic Free Hawaii, Johnson Ohana Foundation, All At Once, and BYOBottle.org are all organizations we’ve worked with directly on branding, content, and campaigns dedicated to reducing plastic waste, especially at concerts where single-use plastics can really add up.
We’re also proud to have longstanding partnerships with local nonprofit Santa Barbara venues, the Santa Barbara Bowl and the Lobero Theatre, both of which run reusable pint cup programs that let attendees cut plastic waste and take home a souvenir that discounts every future drink purchase.
3. Dine at Ocean Friendly Restaurants
Being mindful of where you dine is just as important as what’s in your own kitchen. Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFR) program recognizes restaurants committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic, and offers a simple framework to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean. Celebrate our local restaurants’ efforts and grab a bite at one of Surfrider’s officially recognized spots.
4. Shop at Local Low-Waste Stores
Individually packaged products account for a large share of excessive plastic waste. Mission Refill, located in Goleta, CA, lets you bring an empty container and fill it up with over fifty commonly purchased household goods, or shop their curated selection of plastic-free, recyclable, and compostable items. If you’re outside the area, look for a sustainable refill market near you and join the movement.
5. Volunteer for a Beach or Watershed Clean-Up
Join a local NGO and get your hands dirty, in a good way. Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade is a community of volunteers dedicated to keeping our local watersheds and beaches clean. Volunteering not only removes trash, it contributes to data collection that helps stop pollution at its source. Check their site or Instagram for the next scheduled clean-up.
6. Take the Plastic-Free Challenge
Millions of people worldwide choose to be part of Plastic Free July. The official Plastic Free July site offers resources and ideas for reducing plastic waste in forms both big and small, plus tools to stay motivated all month.
“Plastic Free July inspires me to step up my commitment to reducing single-use plastic in my daily life and on tour.” Jack Johnson, Musician (& Oniracom friend and client)
Plastic Free July is a reminder of the power we each hold to make a positive impact on our environment. At Oniracom, we’re grateful to belong to an active, environmentally conscious community, and even more grateful to call so many of the organizations doing this work our clients and partners. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do. No matter where you are, there are ways to join the cause. Let’s work toward a plastic-free future together, one small action at a time.
Want to learn more about how Oniracom helps organizations and brands drive impact? View Our Work for Non-Profits Our Passion for Cause Marketing
