Welcome to International Plastic Free Day, a global call to cut out single-use plastics and reimagine a cleaner, fairer world. As students at King’s College London, we are uniquely positioned to lead change, not just in labs and lecture halls, but across our campuses, our societies, and our communities.

 

The Problem

Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally every year, half of it for single use. From packaging and cups to fast fashion fibres and electronics, plastics are everywhere. What’s worse? Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled.

The rest? It ends up:

• In our rivers and oceans, microplastics are choking wildlife and entering food chains.
• In landfills, toxins are leaching for centuries.
• In incinerators, contributing to climate change.

The reality is: plastic pollution is a crisis of both waste and justice, disproportionately affecting marine ecosystems and future generations.

 

 

 

Why International Plastic Free Day Matters?

 

International Plastic Free Day isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, action, and alternatives.
It asks each of us:

• Can you say no to single-use today?
• Can you rethink what you buy, and why?
• Can you call for bigger systems change, beyond personal swaps?

It’s a moment to connect individual behaviour to global impact, and to recognise that systemic change starts with cultural momentum, especially in universities.

 

What KCLSU and King’s Are Doing?

 

At King’s College London, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a growing movement woven into the fabric of student life, policy, and partnerships.

Key Actions and Commitments:

• KCLSU Sustainability Strategy aims to reduce campus waste, including plastics, through procurement policies and student-led initiatives.
• King’s Sustainability Team runs campaigns like #ReUseAtKings, promoting reusables and cutting waste across cafes and events.
• Recycling stations and sustainable catering options are expanding across all campuses.
• Plastic-free alternatives (like reusable water bottles and keep cups) are encouraged and supported through discounts and giveaways.

Here you can learn more about King's climate and sustainability. But the real power lies in student-led action.

 

Want to Go Further? Join Environmental Societies at King’s

 

If International Plastic Free Day sparks something in you, don’t stop here.

At King’s, you can:

• Join KCL Environmental Society, Climate Action Society, or Sustainable Finance Society. Here’s a List of Activity Groups.
• Get involved in workshops on sustainable living, DIY plastic-free alternatives, or zero-waste challenges.
• Take part in campaigns for campus divestment, climate justice, circular economies, and more.
• Attend or host panel talks, eco-fairs, repair cafés, or even plastic audits on campus.

 

What Can You Do Today?

 

Even one day without plastic can show you how much you use without noticing, and how easy it is to begin changing.

Try these today:

• Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
• Say no to plastic bags and cutlery, bring your own set.
• Support bulk stores or zero-waste swaps.
• Share your actions online to inspire others (#PlasticFreeDay #KCLSustainability).

 

Every time we reject single-use plastic, we’re doing more than just saving a straw; we’re saying: a better future is possible. A cleaner world is possible. And at King’s, we’re building it together, refill by refill, campaign by campaign. This International Plastic Free Day, be a part of that change.