The impactful potential of reducing single-use plastics to foster both cultural and systemic change took centre stage during the webinar The Power of Plastic Free July, hosted by IGCAT in collaboration with its valued partner, Plastic Free Foundation – a global non-profit organization working to end plastic waste and inspire millions to adopt sustainable habits.
On 16 April, guest speaker Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Founder of Plastic Free Foundation and Plastic Free July campaign, shared compelling insights into how their worldwide campaign has inspired individuals, communities, and businesses to embrace plastic-free lifestyles. Through storytelling and data-driven examples, she highlighted the movement’s environmental impact and its ability to create positive, lasting behavioural change through collective action.
The session drew participation from IGCAT’s broad network of stakeholders, including regional representatives, sustainability advocates, and experts, who engaged in a dynamic discussion on how to foster meaningful progress in plastic reduction across sectors. The conversation emphasized that creating a plastic-free culture is not only about individual choice but also about systemic support, with regional authorities playing a key role.
Participants discussed innovative actions being taken across regions, such as reward systems for organizations adopting plastic-free practices and setting short-term goals (a day, a week, a month) to help individuals gradually build more sustainable habits. Several regions also shared their experiences in lobbying for legislative change and implementing awareness campaigns aimed at reducing plastic dependency at the source.
By facilitating webinars like this one, IGCAT reinforces its commitment to supporting regional sustainability and cultural resilience. These dialogues are vital in connecting changemakers and amplifying successful initiatives that promote both environmental and societal well-being.
A heartfelt thank you to Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and the Plastic Free July team, as well as all our inspiring participants – including Marta Pérez and Jaume Gomila (Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy 2022), José Luís Marques, Sandra Soares and Felisbela Morais (Coimbra, European Region of Gastronomy 2021-2022), Dr. Mohammed Hamoud and Sara Algammaz (Aseer, World Region of Gastronomy 2024), Zena Katsarou and Flora Kranides (South Aegean, European Regions of Gastronomy 2019), Carmen Ispas (Dobrogea, candidate European Region of gastronomy 2029) and Joebert Galea (Gozo, European Region of Gastronomy 2026) – for sharing their valuable perspectives and championing a more sustainable future.
16 April 2025
