Perfect for Plastic Free July (1–31 July 2026)
By BEST Childcare Consulting
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages individuals, families, communities and organisations to reduce their use of single-use plastics and make more sustainable choices in everyday life.
For early childhood services, Plastic Free July provides a valuable opportunity to help children understand their connection to the environment and develop habits that contribute to a healthier future. Through play, inquiry and meaningful experiences, children can begin learning that even small actions can make a significant difference to the world around them.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, caring for Country and Sea Country has been a responsibility for tens of thousands of years. Country includes land, waterways, oceans, skies, plants, animals, people, culture and spirituality. Sea Country refers to the oceans, reefs, coastal areas and waterways that have sustained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for generations.
Traditional custodians understand that all living things are interconnected and that people have a responsibility to care for the environment so future generations can continue to thrive. Plastic pollution threatens many aspects of Sea Country, including marine animals, waterways, beaches and ecosystems. By learning about caring for Country and Sea Country, children can develop respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives while understanding their own role in protecting the environment.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Early Childhood Education
Plastic Free July provides an excellent opportunity for early childhood services to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while helping children develop a lifelong respect for the environment. The SDGs are a global blueprint for creating a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world for current and future generations. Although these goals were designed for governments, organisations and communities, early childhood education plays a vital role in laying the foundations for sustainable thinking and responsible citizenship from an early age.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12 focuses on reducing waste, using resources responsibly and encouraging sustainable consumption. In early childhood settings, this can be explored through recycling, reusing materials for creative experiences, reducing food waste, conserving resources and encouraging children to make thoughtful choices about what they use. Plastic Free July provides authentic opportunities for children to understand that the choices they make every day can help reduce waste and protect the environment.
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 13 encourages action to address climate change and promote environmentally responsible behaviours. While climate change is a complex concept, young children can begin learning that caring for the environment helps protect the planet. Experiences such as gardening, composting, reducing waste, conserving water and participating in sustainability projects help children develop positive environmental habits and an understanding that everyone can contribute to protecting the Earth.
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
SDG 14 aims to conserve and protect oceans, waterways and marine ecosystems. This goal has particular relevance during Plastic Free July, as plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing marine environments. Through investigations about oceans, marine animals and Sea Country, children can learn how litter and plastic waste affect wildlife and waterways. These experiences help children develop empathy for living things and understand the importance of caring for oceans and aquatic environments.
SDG 15 – Life on Land
SDG 15 focuses on protecting ecosystems, biodiversity, forests, native plants and wildlife habitats. In early childhood education, children can develop a connection to nature through outdoor learning, nature play, gardening, wildlife observations and caring for natural environments. Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives of caring for Country further strengthens children’s understanding that all living things are interconnected and that people have a responsibility to care for the land for future generations.
By embedding these Sustainable Development Goals into everyday practice, educators help children develop the knowledge, values and skills needed to become environmentally responsible citizens. Plastic Free July is not simply about reducing plastic use for one month—it is about inspiring children to become future caretakers of Country, Sea Country and the wider world.
Educational Programming Ideas
1. Plastic Free July Waste Audit
Invite children to investigate how much plastic waste is produced throughout the service during a day or week.
Children can:
- Sort waste materials.
- Count plastic items.
- Create graphs and tally charts.
- Brainstorm ways to reduce waste.
Resource:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/schools/
2. Caring for Sea Country Investigation
Create a provocation using shells, sand, driftwood, photographs of beaches and marine animals.
Discuss:
- What is Sea Country?
- How do people care for oceans?
- What happens when rubbish enters waterways?
Explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on protecting waterways and marine environments.
Resource:
https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/
3. Ocean Animal Rescue Dramatic Play
Set up a marine rescue centre dramatic play space.
Provide:
- Toy turtles
- Fish
- Sea birds
- Recycled materials
Children can role-play rescuing animals affected by pollution and explore ways communities protect marine environments.
Resource:
https://www.australiansealion.org
4. Waste-Free Lunchbox Week
Invite families to participate in a waste-free lunchbox challenge.
Children can:
- Compare reusable and disposable items.
- Count packaging waste.
- Share sustainable lunchbox ideas.
Resource:
https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/schools
5. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge of Country and Sea Country
Explore how First Nations peoples have sustainably cared for Country and Sea Country for thousands of years.
Discuss:
- Respect for natural resources.
- Looking after waterways.
- Sustainable harvesting.
- Protecting animals and habitats.
Resource:
https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore
6. Recycled Art Studio
Provide clean recycled materials for children to create artwork, sculptures and marine animals.
Discuss how reusing resources helps reduce pollution and waste entering waterways.
Resource:
https://www.coolaustralia.org
7. Community Clean-Up Experience
Conduct a service clean-up day or local litter collection activity.
Children can investigate:
- Where rubbish belongs.
- Recycling processes.
- How litter affects wildlife.
Resource:
https://www.cleanup.org.au
8. Sustainability Leaders Project
Invite children to become Sustainability Leaders within the service.
Children can:
- Monitor recycling stations.
- Encourage reusable materials.
- Care for gardens.
- Promote sustainable practices.
Resource:
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/supporting-materials/infosheet/sustainability
QIP write ups
Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice
Embedded Practice
Educators embedded sustainability concepts, environmental stewardship and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout everyday learning experiences. Children regularly engaged in investigations about waste reduction, caring for Country and protecting Sea Country through play-based and intentional teaching experiences.
Critical Reflection
The service critically reflected on how sustainability learning could be embedded throughout the year rather than being limited to special events. Educators evaluated children’s growing understanding of environmental responsibility and adapted experiences to deepen learning outcomes.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Families contributed ideas, resources and sustainable practices from home that enriched children’s learning. Community resources and environmental initiatives were incorporated to strengthen authentic sustainability connections.
Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety
Embedded Practice
Children developed awareness of the relationship between environmental health, human wellbeing and ecosystem sustainability. Daily routines promoted safe, responsible and environmentally conscious practices.
Critical Reflection
Educators reflected on how environmental issues impact current and future generations and considered ways to support children to become active environmental citizens.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Families were encouraged to participate in waste reduction initiatives and sustainability projects that extended learning beyond the service environment.
Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment
Embedded Practice
The service environment promoted sustainability through recycling systems, reusable resources, natural materials and environmentally responsible purchasing practices.
Critical Reflection
The team critically reflected on opportunities to reduce waste, minimise plastic use and create more environmentally sustainable learning environments.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Families supported sustainability initiatives through resource donations, participation in projects and shared environmental goals.
Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements
Embedded Practice
Educators consistently modelled environmentally responsible behaviours and demonstrated sustainable practices during everyday interactions and routines.
Critical Reflection
The team reflected on their own sustainability practices and identified opportunities to strengthen environmental leadership throughout the service.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Educators collaborated with families and community organisations to promote consistent sustainability messages and environmentally responsible behaviours.
Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children
Embedded Practice
Children were empowered to make decisions, share ideas and participate in sustainability projects that supported caring for Country and Sea Country.
Critical Reflection
Educators reflected on how children’s voices could further influence sustainability initiatives and environmental decision-making within the service.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Children shared sustainability messages with families and actively participated in projects that connected home, service and community environments.
Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Communities
Embedded Practice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on caring for Country and Sea Country were respectfully embedded within the curriculum and daily practices.
Critical Reflection
The service reflected on ways to strengthen authentic engagement with First Nations perspectives and ensure sustainability learning remained culturally responsive and meaningful.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
Families, community members and cultural resources contributed knowledge and perspectives that enhanced children’s understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership
Embedded Practice
Leadership supported sustainability through policies, procedures, resource selection and ongoing environmental initiatives aligned with the service philosophy.
Critical Reflection
Leaders evaluated the effectiveness of sustainability practices and identified opportunities for continuous improvement and environmental responsibility.
Meaningful Engagement with Families and Community
The service actively promoted sustainability through family partnerships, community engagement and participation in national initiatives such as Plastic Free July.
Links and Resources
Plastic Free July Schools Resources
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/schools/
Plastic Free July
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org
Australian Museum – First Nations Learning
https://australian.museum/learn/first-nations/
AIATSIS – Explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore
ACECQA Sustainability Information Sheet
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/resources/supporting-materials/infosheet/sustainability
Cool Australia Sustainability Resources
https://www.coolaustralia.org
Clean Up Australia
https://www.cleanup.org.au
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative
https://www.education.gov.au/australian-sustainable-schools-initiative-aussi
Tangaroa Blue Foundation – Marine Debris and Ocean Conservation
https://www.tangaroablue.org
National Indigenous Australians Agency
https://www.niaa.gov.au
Reef Guardian Schools Program
https://www.reefguardian.gov.au
BEST Childcare Consulting
Plastic Free July provides an opportunity to help children understand that caring for the environment begins with everyday choices. By connecting sustainability learning with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, children develop a deeper understanding of their responsibility to care for Country, Sea Country and the world around them.
Through meaningful experiences, children learn that even the smallest actions—refusing a plastic straw, reusing materials, caring for wildlife or protecting waterways—can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.
As always, use these inspirations to lead your service throughout the whole year in your everyday practices to truly earn an exceeding rating.
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