Sarah Rhodes began her one-woman crusade to rid Siem Reap of waste plastic last year. This year, her initiative Plastic Free July has expanded with the addition of 20 volunteers and now covers Cambodia’s three biggest cities.

Rhodes said while the initiative is promoted as a one-month challenge to reduce plastic use, it gained momentum over the past year. The team developed a program offering workshops, advice and leadership to organisations, schools and the hospitality industry.

“The mission is to provide education and inspire change,” Rhodes said. The focus is on the four biggest plastic problems – straws, plastic bags, take-away cups and plastic bottles.

The official launch of the 2016 Plastic Free July Cambodia campaign takes place at Kings Road in Siem Reap from 3pm to 6pm on July 1.