Shellharbour City Council is encouraging people to swap single-use plastic for reusable alternatives. Image: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour residents are being encouraged to take part in Plastic Free July by making small, everyday changes that can significantly reduce single-use plastic waste and help protect the environment.
Shellharbour City Council is calling on residents to join the global challenge to be part of the solution to plastic pollution by focusing on easy ways to use less plastic that will collectively make a massive difference.
It follows previous council-run programs and campaigns to reduce waste and go green, including a mischievous Shellharbour Grinch with tips on recycling at Christmas and National Recycling Week workshops from upcycling clothes to seed collecting in November.
It has also been part of a program for Illawarra residents to drop off their soft plastics waste as part of a trial by the region’s councils.
Since November last year, the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) has conducted a trial of free collection points in Kiama, Shellharbour, Wollongong and the Shoalhaven.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said whether at home, work, or out and about, small actions could make a big difference in cutting down waste and protecting the environment.
Cr Homer said the month-long challenge was a great way to build better habits, with the movement having inspired more than 100 million participants in 190 countries.
“Going plastic free doesn’t mean changing everything overnight,” he said.
“Start small, just pick one habit to change.
“Plastics can take decades or even hundreds of years to break down.
“Every time we reuse instead of reaching for single-use, we’re making a better choice for our environment and future generations.”
Soft plastics make up about seven per cent (by mass) of red-lid bin contents, according to Shellharbour’s most recent residential kerbside bin audit.
However, soft plastics take up significantly more space due to their very low density.
For those unsure where to start, council encourages people to try these swaps:
- Bring reusable shopping bags
- Use containers instead of plastic wrap
- Carry a refillable drink bottle
- Say no to plastic straws and cutlery
- Choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of prepacked
- Bring your own cup or dine-in.
Cr Homer said using less plastic helped keep Shellharbour’s streets, beaches and parks clean and safe for everyone, including its wildlife.
Council is also running a Plastic Free July giveaway through its social media channels.
To take the pledge or find tips to get started, visit Plastic Free July or to find out what goes in each bin, visit Shellharbour Waste.
