Plastic Free July 2025: Awareness is Growing, but Systemic Support is Still Missing

Despite increasing global visibility of the Plastic Free July initiative, results from our latest Vox Populi survey show that a significant portion of respondents – 63% are still unaware of the initiative. This raises a critical question: if professionals who are active on social media remain unfamiliar with the initiative, how far behind is the general public when it comes to meaningfully reducing plastic waste?

Two years after our first research into workplace attitudes towards plastic use and sustainability, we revisited the topic, asking some of the same questions to measure progress.

Motivation Is There, But Support Is Lacking

This year’s survey was again conducted across two social media platforms, Instagram and LinkedIn. Results indicate that perceptions of the feasibility of eliminating single-use plastics at work differ depending on the platform and its users. On Instagram, opinions were split: 42% of followers believe it is possible to avoid single-use plastics at work, while the majority either doubt its feasibility or remain unsure. In contrast, LinkedIn users expressed significantly more optimism, with 78% saying they believe such a change is achievable.

Only 40% of respondents reported that their employers are actively implementing measures to reduce plastic waste, while the same percentage said no such efforts exist within their organizations. This divide highlights the gap between individual awareness and actual organizational action.

Even though 60% believe that the Plastic Free July initiative should be integrated into the workplace, the desire for change is not being met with the necessary systemic support. Without the active engagement and accountability of employers, efforts remain largely individual and verbal, with slow progress when it comes to real change.

Collective Initiatives as a Catalyst for Change

It is encouraging that 80% of respondents support launching plastic-reduction initiatives in their workplaces. Additionally, 69% prefer employers who demonstrate tangible responsibility regarding plastic use, while 60% believe initiatives like Plastic Free July should be implemented year-round, not just once a year. These numbers clearly show a strong desire for real change, not just symbolic green gestures that amount to greenwashing.

While similar sentiments were present in our 2023 survey, this year there is a noticeable increase in willingness to take action: 65% of participants now plan to personally reduce single-use plastic use at work.

Why Awareness Doesn’t Automatically Lead to Sustainable Behavior

Looking at specific habits, the situation remains complex and somewhat less optimistic. While 62% of respondents now separate plastic waste at work, a modest improvement from 58% in 2023, other behaviors suggest that structural change has yet to fully take hold. For example, 45% still drink water from plastic containers, and 57% regularly order food in single-use plastic packaging.

Compared to the 2023 data, there is a small but visible increase in motivation. At that time, 88% expressed intent to reduce single-use plastic, while now 100% of LinkedIn respondents and 78% on Instagram confirm such plans. However, increased awareness is not yet translating into consistent, sustainable behaviors: declared support still does not align with practical, long-term habits.

It’s Time for Systemic Action

The 2025 findings, compared to those from two years ago, reflect a positive shift in awareness and a growing readiness to support or lead initiatives. However, the data clearly shows that without systemic structure, these initiatives remain isolated efforts.

If we truly aim for a workplace free from single-use plastics, Plastic Free July must evolve beyond a once-a-year campaign. It must be transformed into concrete actions: removing plastic cups and water dispensers, using eco-friendly cleaning products, or providing sustainability training for employees.

Sustainability doesn’t begin with big campaigns, it begins with everyday decisions, supported by systems that make them possible. We recently wrote about why now is the right time to implement green office practices and how we’re doing it at Dialog. You can read the full article here.