Reduce your plastic use this July

People are encouraged to reduce their plastic use this month as part of the Plastic Free July initiative, which raises awareness of the impact single-use plastics are having on the world

Planet Ark estimates that Australians produce 1 tonne of plastic waste every minute, with single use plastics such as plastic bags, water bottles, straws, food packaging and plastic plates responsible for much of this waste.

Council has a range of resources available to help people reduce their everyday plastic use in their home or at work as part of the Less Plastic is Fantastic campaign, including a list of reusable items people can swap their single-use plastics with, even while in lockdown.

“Plastic Free July is a fantastic opportunity for anyone keen on reducing their reliance on single use plastics to make the change now,” Mayor George Brticevic said.

“Single use plastics are particularly problematic as they are not recyclable through the yellow lidded bin and are responsible for much of the litter found in our environment,” Cr Brticevic said.

 “Whether it’s starting small by remembering your reusable shopping bags when grabbing the groceries, getting into good recycling habits or eliminating single use plastics from your life entirely, every action makes a difference,” he said.

“We have a great range of resources on our website and information on social media to help people make the easy change away from single use plastics.”

New and expecting parents can also attend an online Nappy Lane cloth nappy workshop on Saturday 24 July and Thursday 29 July.

The recent release of the NSW Government’s Plastic Plan will see the banning of items such as lightweight shopping bags, plastic straws and plastic cutlery in the next 12 months.