Plastic Free July is a “global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.”
Environmentalism and community are at the core of Oniracom’s culture and history. We’ve worked with many sustainability-focused organizations over the years and continually seek new ways to become an even greener business. We are 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 5 exciting ways to celebrate and participate in Plastic Free July this year. Read on to get inspired and join in on the activities below:
1. Volunteer with Local NGOs & Participate in a Beach Clean Up
Our team has participated in several beach clean-ups through Santa Barbara Channelkeeper’s Watershed Brigade. The Watershed Brigade is a community of volunteers dedicated to keeping our local watersheds and beaches clean. Brigade members remove trash from trails, creeks, rivers, urban areas, and beaches, act as environmental stewards, and collect trash data used to help reduce pollution at its source. Volunteers can also earn points that make them eligible for perks and prizes. Their next big event is a collaboration with the City of Santa Barbara to help clean up our waterfront beaches following the city’s July 4th festivities. The volunteer event will take place July 5th from 9AM to 11AM at three different locations along the waterfront. Cleanup supplies and parking passes will be provided.
2. Skip the Plastic at Concerts This Summer
For decades Oniracom has supported initiatives to combat plastic pollution in the entertainment industry. Kokua Hawaii Foundation and its Kokua Festival, Plastic Free Hawaii, Johnson Ohana Foundation, All At Once, and more recently BYOBottle.org are all organizations aimed at reducing plastic waste, especially at concerts where single-use plastics really add up.
Artists, venues, festivals, and fans can reduce plastic waste in the music industry by promoting reusable water bottles and water refill stations at music events.
We are proud to have longstanding partnerships with local non-profit Santa Barbara venues, the Santa Barbara Bowl, and the Lobero Theatre. Both are doing their part to reduce paper and plastic pollution and have reusable pint cup programs that allow attendees to reduce plastic waste and gain a reusable souvenir that discounts drink purchases every time the pint cup is used (and re-used!).
3. Celebrate the Ocean and the People Dedicated to Protecting it with Hillary Hauser’s New Book
What better way to kick off Plastic Free July than to dive into a book from none other than Heal the Ocean’s Co-Founder, Executive Director and longtime environmental hero, Hillary Hauser? Hillary has just released her newest book, Dancing on Waves: A True Story of Finding Love & Redemption in the Ocean. “Dancing on Waves” tells of personal anguish and triumph that led Hillary to co-found Heal the Ocean. Oniracom is proud to have worked with and supported HTO over the years as it became an immensely successful environmental advocacy group that has earned prestigious accolades for the removal of septic systems from 7 miles of south Santa Barbara County beaches, including the world-famous Rincon surf break.
4. Attend CEC’s Plastic Pollution Solutions Webinar July 15th
The Community Environmental Council is one of the nation’s most accomplished environmental action nonprofits. For 50 years, the CEC has been a leader of the modern environmental movement, driving local action to affect global change.
Join CEC for their Plastic Pollution Solutions webinar on Friday, July 15, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. PST. This informative session about plastics – recycling, reduction, and policy – will focus on local and state efforts to reduce waste. Participants will be empowered to take immediate, collective action.
5. Take The Plastic-Free Challenge
Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are choosing to be part of Plastic Free July. There are so many ways to participate in the plastic-free challenge. Plastic Free July provides incredible resources and ideas for ways to reduce plastic waste in forms both big and small, as well as tools to keep you motivated and inspired during the challenge.
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 Partner)
