Be a part of the movement: Plastic-Free July at TMU
Content updated July 2026
With millions of tonnes of plastic pollution generated globally each year, tackling the impact of plastic on the climate crisis can sometimes feel like too big a task for just one person. Thankfully, you’re not alone–in fact, this month millions of people around the world will collectively take small steps in their daily lives to reduce or reject the use of single-use plastics, ultimately leading to a greater impact that any one of us could make individually.
Plastic-Free July (external link, opens in new window) is a global movement that empowers individuals, communities, institutions and governments to adopt habits and strategies for reducing plastic waste.
Last year, more than 174 million people in more than 190 countries participated in Plastic-Free July, avoiding more than 15 million tonnes of waste and 1.7 million tonnes of plastic.
Small steps can lead to big impacts
Plastic-Free July empowers the TMU community to take simple, meaningful actions in their everyday lives that reduce plastic waste, protect our environment and advance climate action.
Four ways you can participate in Plastic-Free July
- Swap old habits for smarter ones–develop new routines to help you avoid or say no to single-use plastics.
- Make your commitment official by taking the Plastic-Free July pledge.
- Use on-campus resources that will help you ditch plastics–refill your reusable water bottle, sort smarter with the Waste Wizard and make use of reuse and repurposing programs.
- Follow @tmusustainability (external link, opens in new window) on Instagram for Plastic-Free July tips, stories and resources all month long.
Reducing single-use plastic usage supports TMU’s climate goals
While TMU is committed to becoming a zero-waste campus by 2035, there’s still more work for us to do. Currently, more than half of the waste created on campus ends up in landfills, much of which is made up of avoidable single-use plastics.
Every plastic item we refuse helps cut emissions from production and disposal, bringing TMU closer to meeting our zero-waste by 2035 and net-zero emissions targets by 2045 goals.
By rethinking how we consume, this campaign also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, moving TMU toward a more circular, low-carbon economy.
Take advantage of campus resources to go plastic-free this July
Skip the trip to the convenience store and fill a reusable water bottle at one of TMU’s water refill stations.
During the school year, takeout orders from the Hub Café come in reusable Friendlier containers.
Employees can rehome TMU-owned items like office furniture by participating in the Furniture Rehome Program.
Before you throw away a plastic-item on campus, scan the Waste Wizard QR code to determine if it can be recycled.
Look out for TMU Repair Workshop sessions hosted by the Sustainability Office and TMU Libraries’ Digital Media Experience (DME) Lab in the fall to learn how to fix damaged or broken household items.
Students are invited to weekly Free Store pop-ups beginning during Orientation Week to take home gently-used items like electronics, home decor, kitchen supplies and more.
Reimagine your daily routine with these plastic-free tips
You only use that polyethylene plastic coated disposable coffee cup for 15 minutes before you’re done, so opt for a reusable instead. Plus, many coffee shops offer a discount for bringing your own mug.
But don’t fall into the trap of forgetting to bring a reusable bag or you’ll just become a tote bag collector.
Carry a portable set of reusable items like cutlery, cloth napkins and drink containers for you to use when eating on the go.
Buying in bulk or opting for refillable items like soap and cleaning products is an easy way to avoid disposable plastic packaging.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Plastic-Free July or ways you can support TMU’s sustainability goals, please contact Erica Wilkinson, sustainability coordinator, at sustainability@torontomu.ca.