Become part of the solution to plastic pollution

Redland City Council is asking local residents to join the campaign for a Plastic Free July.

Mayor Karen Williams says there are plenty of ways that we can all contribute to reducing the number of plastics ending up in the environment.

“Sign up to the Plastic Free July Challenge and check out some practical ways you can make a difference,” Cr Williams said.

“Reduce your use of plastic by buying less, swapping out single-use plastic for re-usable items, avoiding use of balloons and take-away items that can end up in our environment and, reusing what you already have.”

Plastic Free July is a global initiative that has been running since 2011.

“The movement helps millions of people become part of the solution to plastic pollution – so that we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities as well as reducing our waste to landfill,” Cr Williams said.

“With plastic in the environment damaging our waterways and killing our wildlife, Plastic Free July is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastics.

“Where the use of plastic is unavoidable, recycle as much as possible and ‘check it before you chuck it’ so you know you’re recycling right.”

Cr Williams reminded residents to recycle correctly.

“Soft plastics appear everywhere – from your frozen chip packet to the plastic wrap that keeps your bread fresh,” Cr Williams said.

“By keeping a separate bag in your pantry or under your sink, you can easily re-direct your soft plastics from your general waste bin. Remember, these plastics don’t belong in your yellow-lid bin.

“Just take them to the collection point at your local Woolies or Coles and these plastics will be recycled and turned into bollards, outdoor furniture and other items.”

Cr Williams said Council had taken a number of steps to reduce the number of plastics ending up in our environment.

“Council has installed drain socks and drain covers, trialled solar compacting bins and is using recycled soft plastics in our outdoor furniture and bollards in parks,” she said.

EVENTS As part of Plastic Free July, Council is holding a number of events at Indigiscapes and the local libraries.

Eco Herbal Tea Bag Workshop, with Linda Brennan of Ecobotanica Monday, 28 June, 9-10.30am: Indigiscapes. Did you know that most commercial tea bags contain plastic? Ecobotanica’s Linda Brennan will show you how to blend and make your own eco-friendly herbal tea bags. Afterwards, enjoy your creation with a warm homemade scone, bush-flavoured jams and fresh cream. Age: 12 year to adult Note: Bring your own small tea pot Cost: $35.00 Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au

Ocean Appreciation: Enjoy, Respect, Protect! Monday, 5 July and Friday, 9 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes. Local author Dannika Patterson will guide participants through a hands-on ocean art workshop using a combination of sketching, natural food dye powder paint, salt crystals and water. The artwork is inspired by her book Seaspray 17, which pairs traditional Japanese haiku poetry with the stunning ocean photography of multi-award-winning Australian photographer, Kian Bates. This is a 100% waste-free workshop using recycled, upcycled, or compostable materials (included). Cost: $10 Please arrive at 9:45am for a 10.00am start. Bookings are essential and places are limited: https://www.facebook.com/events/173229921417899/

Documentary screening: Blue Monday, 5 July and Friday 9 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes. Enjoy a special free screening of the Australian-made documentary Blue, featuring conservationist Valerie Taylor and plastic campaigner Tim Silverwood. Written and directed by Karina Holden, the film received funding through philanthropic donations and financial support from Screen Australia. It is now screening worldwide, spreading the environmental message about the importance of the world’s oceans. Cost: free Bookings are essential and places are limited: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/blue-free-screening-tickets-157154396029

Beeswax wrap making workshop Wednesday, 7 July, 10-11.30am: Indigiscapes Make a commitment to the planet this Plastic Free July and join Linda Brennan from Ecobotanica who will guide you through the steps to make your own beeswax wrap. Using beautiful printed organic cottons, you will make one medium wax wrap and a wax sandwich wrap with a button and tie. Discover how bees make the beeswax and explore the environmental impacts and comparison between plastic wrap and the natural alternatives. Take home packs will be available, starting at $15 including wax, a brush and your choice of fabrics. Payment for those can be made by card or cash on the day. Age: 13+ years. Cost: $15 Bookings are essential and places are limited: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/plastic-free-july-beeswax-wrap-making-workshop-tickets-159388915537

Documentary screening: 2040 Thursday, 15 July, 10am-12pm: Cleveland Library Council’s resident Reduce, Reuse, Recycle expert will be at Cleveland Library to answer questions and introduce a special screening of the Australian film 2040 – an accessible and informative documentary that offers positive solutions to the climate crisis. Age: 13+ years Cost: free Bookings essential: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library

Sustainable Living Workshop: Beeswax wraps Thursday, 29 July, 10-11.30am: Victoria Point Library. Make your own beeswax wrap in this educational and hands-on Sustainable Living Workshop. Learn about recycling and repurposing fabrics with beeswax to create beautiful natural alternatives to single-use plastic food covers. Strengthen your commitment to caring for the environment in this functional and creative way! Age: 13+ years. Cost: free. Bookings essential: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20157/libraries/308/whats_on_at_your_library

MORE INFORMATION

• To check you are putting rubbish in the correct bin at home, visit: redland.qld.gov.au/recycling.

• Drop in to Redlands IndigiScapes Centre, 17 Runnymede Rd, Capalaba, to learn more about plastics in our environment, participate in one of the events, purchase sustainable items at the eco-shop and pick up a free pack on plastic alternatives.

• Get started on your Plastic Free July journey with tips from the official website: plasticfreejuly.org