Northern Beaches Council is calling on the community to break bad habits, re-think how you live without using unnecessary disposable plastic items and join the plastic-free revolution.
Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the Council is calling on its residents to stop using the ‘big four’ single-use plastic items and swap them for more sustainable ones as part of Plastic Free July.
“Disposable plastic water bottles, straws, takeaway coffee cups and plastic bags are used for only a few minutes, but are made from material that does not break down. Did you know that every piece of plastic ever made still exists? That fact is just shocking.
“Our local ‘Swap This for That’ initiative helps you re-think simple everyday decisions by being more conscious while shopping, eating and drinking, on your way to work or while out and about. It’s a great initiative that complements the global Plastic Free July campaign.
“Unfortunately, plastic ends up in our waterways and oceans having a devastating effect on our marine ecology. It is getting so bad that scientists predict by 2050, there will be more tonnes of plastic than fish. It’s a no-brainer – everyone needs to get on board.
“We all need to start with our own backyard. Do you bit by simply swapping disposable items to reusable ones and help end plastic pollution,” said Mayor Regan.
Council will also be holding a number of events throughout the month of July to support Plastic Free July and help wipe out disposable plastics on the Northern Beaches:
- Street Art, Dee Why Beach - 30 June, Dee Why Beach, 10am-3pm, 1 July, Manly Beach, 10am-3pm, 3 July, Avalon Beach, 10am-3pm: Come along and see the amazing street art being created by internationally recognised chalk artists over the course of the day. Roving theatre performers will be at Manly and Dee Why Beaches and council staff will also be encouraging passersby to take the pledge to swap single use plastics for reusable alternatives at all events.
- Make Your Own Beeswax Wrap at various locations: Learn how to make your own reusable food wraps with cloth and beeswax, a great alternative to plastic wrap. Various sessions and locations available throughout July please book online line at www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au as bookings are essential. See our website for locations, dates and to book.
- Avalon Car Boot Sale, Dunbar Park, 3 Bowling Green Lane, Avalon Beach - Saturday 21 July 8am -2pm: Avalon Car Boot Sale is on again we are supporting Plastic Free July so remember to bring your reusable water bottle and coffee cup and help do you bit to end plastic pollution. Don’t miss out great music, roving performers, food and a surprise celebrity appearance.
Plastic Free July has grown from a handful of people in Western Australia to millions of people in more than 200 countries and supported widely across the region. This year, local grass roots community groups have organised plenty of events too – from beach clean ups, kids recycle relays, discussion panels, boomerang bag sewing workshops and talks from environmental experts. These include:
· Living Ocean family day - Barrenjoey High School, Avalon on Saturday 28 July, 10-4pm
· Boomerang Bags – running numerous sewing bees and a great share-bag initiative
· Wheeler Heights PS – one of our local schools to have eliminated single-use plastics from their canteen
· The Australian Microplastic Assessment Project (AUSMAP) – a national citizen science program tackling plastic pollution - launches 6 July
Our community groups also continue to run programs aimed at combating plastic pollution, some of those include:
· SO Manly & Operation Straw – working with business and the community
· Surfrider Foundation – is rolling out it’s 'Ocean Friendly' program
· Surf Rider Foundation Manly and 4 Pines Brewing Company Manly – running the Rubbish 4 Coffee Initiative
Find out more about these plastic-free initiatives visit northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au or take the pledge to go Plastic Free at http://www.plasticfreejuly.org