Plastic-Free July is a global movement that aims to raise awareness of the pollution that accumulates using single use plastics. This year, millions rallied to take the Plastic-Free Pledge on July 1 in a mass action aimed at launching World Plastic-Free Day and setting a new world record.

“The Plastic-Free Pledge is about choosing one practical action that works for you,” said Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, Plastic-Free July founder. “It’s not about being perfect, it’s about making small changes that can become lasting habits. And when millions of people take those small steps together, the impact is enormous.”

For every one bin full of waste generated at work, 70 bins were generated upstream in making it. Plastic-Free July offered these tips to avoid plastic use at work:

• Bin audit: Are you recycling, composting, or avoiding waste correctly?
• Workplace kitchens: Do an inventory of all the single-use plastic items found in your workplace’s kitchen.
• Co-workers: Invite people at work to participate in Plastic-Free July.
• Workplace procurement: Make an impact on your workplace’s procurement practices.

This global action comes as concern grows over plastic pollution, including microplastics and the harmful chemicals found in plastics that affect both the environment and human health. Plastic-Free July organizers said making a pledge is a chance to turn concern into action, showing that simple choices, made by millions, can help drive real change.

Plastic-Free July was created by the Plastic-Free Foundation, a not-for-profit organization committed to helping end plastic waste by empowering people to avoid single-use plastic. By driving the challenge and sharing solutions and resources with people, organizations, and governments globally, the foundation plays an active and ongoing role in solidifying July as the global month of action against plastic pollution.

Last year, 174 million people across 190 countries took part in Plastic-Free July, which prevented the use of 290 million kilograms of plastic.

The winter edition of INCLEAN, serving the cleaning industry in the Southern Hemisphere, has arrived, and as anticipation builds for ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo 2026, this edition explores trends and opportunities driving progress across cleaning, restoration, and facilities management. INCLEAN’s preshow edition arrives at a moment of momentum for the sector, with innovation moving quickly across cleaning, restoration, and facilities management while businesses continue navigating economic pressure, workforce demands, and rising expectations around safety and accountability.

Inside, INCLEAN highlights the future of the industry through our Emerging Leaders finalists, a group bringing fresh thinking, technical skill, and strong leadership to the profession.

The edition also arrives during NAIDOC Week, highlighting First Nations cleaning businesses advocating for greater visibility and participation across the sector. The feature captures the strength, vision, and determination of First Nations operators pushing for greater visibility, stronger partnerships, and meaningful economic participation across the sector.

Across the feature pages, INCLEAN examines the growing pressure on restoration professionals to deliver rigorous evidence and transparent reporting, where accountability sits firmly at the center of remediation work. The issue also explores how science, behavior, and front-line cleaning practices are converging to strengthen viral defense across healthcare and public environments.

From sustainability and smarter chemical choices to leadership, innovation, and operational excellence, INCLEAN’s winter edition offers valuable insights for professionals across the industry.

Read the latest issue online today.