Every July, the global Plastic Free July movement encourages millions of people to rethink their plastic consumption and adopt more sustainable habits. While this initiative raises important awareness about plastic pollution, it also provides an opportunity to recognize that meaningful solutions cannot rely on individual choices alone.

At Breast Cancer Action Quebec (BCAQ), we see the plastics crisis as an environmental issue, a public health issue, and a matter of environmental justice.

Plastic is everywhere

Plastic has become part of nearly every aspect of our daily lives—from food packaging and cosmetics to synthetic textiles and household products.

As plastics break down, they release microplastics and nanoplastics that contaminate our air, water, soil, and food. Scientists have also detected these particles in human blood, lungs, placentas, breast milk, and other tissues.

Beyond the particles themselves, many plastics contain or carry chemicals of concern, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Exposure to these substances raises important concerns about human health, including hormone-related cancers, reproductive health, and healthy development.

An environmental justice issue

Plastic pollution does not affect everyone equally.

Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, people living near industrial facilities or waste sites, and many communities across the Global South often bear a disproportionate share of the impacts associated with plastic production, use, and disposal.

Reducing plastic pollution also means addressing environmental inequities and protecting the rights and health of the communities most affected.

Taking action together

Individual actions matter, but they cannot solve a crisis driven by plastic overproduction and the widespread use of hazardous chemicals.

That is why we also advocate for collective action and stronger public policies.

This Plastic Free July, we invite you to explore our resources:

• 📚 Beyond Plastics, a workshop available to organizations and communities exploring the connections between plastics, health, and environmental justice.
• 📖 Our Anti-Plastic Toolkit, offering practical ways to reduce plastic exposure while learning more about its impacts.
• ✉️ Our Action Network campaign, which makes it easy to send a letter to ministers calling for ambitious action on plastic pollution and stronger protection of public health.

Together, we can drive change

This Plastic Free July, every action matters.

By informing, educating, mobilizing, and advocating together, we can build a future where both people and the planet are protected from plastic pollution.

Join us and take action.