We are making some progress with our Plastic Sub-committee. We recently had our first 'bag making session' where we are upcycling scrap/waste material into very trendy bags. We are not calling them boomerang bags but obviously a similar type of thing. We intend to sell them at various outlets and to our friends for $2 to $3. Haven't decided on the price yet. We are investigating how to promote this on social media. Ideas include linking "Plastic Wise Benalla' on the BSFG website and setting up our own facebook page. BSFG will be the overarching body for our Group, Plastic Wise Benalla. We have our own logo which is based around that used in by the Indigo Shire Groups. Jason, Fabio Industries, has screen printed our first batch of pockets for free. And the Council have provided us with a room at the Drill Hall for free for bag making sessions each fortnight for the next 2 months. It is great that we are creating some community action about this issue and some wonderful helpers have been recruited. We have started off small just to get ourselves organised. We have several people who are very willing to sew at home which is great. Any donations of heavy duty fabric, curtains/tablecloths, and not so heavy duty (for a contrast), and calico will be gratefully accepted. Wendy Bacon Plastic Free July is an international initiative developed by a Perth council to raise awareness of the amount of plastic in our lives. The challenge is to refuse single use plastic during July.
Some of you may think it is too difficult to stop using plastic. It is. Plastic is ubiquitous and it is made to last a very long time. It is packaged around our food. Some would even say it has started to become a part of our food. It is in our make-up and personal hygiene products. It is in our clothing. However, if we put in a little thought and effort we all can reduce our usage of plastic. I have been concerned about the impact of plastics on the environment for years. This concern was heightened on a recent trip to Sri Lanka where I was totally disheartened by the rubbish on the beaches, in the ocean and on the streets. Waste reduction is a global responsibility. Some ideas to aid in this challenge would be to:
Continue the challenge if travelling:
Think- Reduce, Reuse, Refuse, Rethink, Repair. If we are all a little wiser with our purchases and consumption habits, a cleaner and healthier environment will follow. For more ideas and to accept the challenge go to www.plasticfreejuly.org Choose to Refuse. Source: Baker, W 'Ecoportal' http://ecoportal.net.au/plastic-free-july/ 21 July 2017 Maybe you are not ready to give up the plastic altogether but there are some easy ways to make a big difference in reducing the amount of plastic waste that is a huge burden to our environment. Recycling goes some of the way to easing the issue; however it is a much better option to avoid the use of plastic as much as possible.
Bring your own shopping bag I am thinking hessian is best. Or why not make your own out of left over fabric? In addition to bigger carryall bags, you can take your own reusable produce bags or don’t use produce bags at all. Ditch bottled water Such an easy way to reduce waste. Keep a refillable bottle handy and take it wherever you go. Bottled water is incredibly expensive compared to the tap. Say ‘no’ to bottled water. BYO Coffee Cup Coffee Cups are usually lined with a polyethylene making it difficult to be recycled. Take your own refillable cup....you may even get your coffee at a reduced price!! Choose cardboard over plastic bottles and bags Try pasta in a box instead of a bag, detergent in a box instead of a bottle. Even better, see if the cardboard is from a sustainable source. Say ‘no’ to straws They are just not necessary. Paper or stainless straws are an option. Get plastic out of the makeup drawer and bathroom Research microbeads. Aim for none in your products. Skip the disposable razor Re-think your food storage Try to use glass instead of plastic for fridge/pantry storage. Take your own containers for the left over restaurant meal. Use reusable sandwich wraps e.g.‘Keep Leaf’ eco-friendly bags. Use cloth nappies over disposable nappies Shop in Bulk Consider joining the BSFG Bulk Food Co-op. Keep your eye out for places with refill stations or bulk purchases. Think about fashion choices Do you really need another item of clothing? Consider clothes swapping with your friends and family. Check out the Op Shop. Travelling? Try to follow the practices you have at home. Carry a lightweight rolled-up reusable carry bag. Purify the tap water – choose to avoid the bottled water. My daughter recently travelled Sri Lanka, India and Nepal for 3 months and used a ‘Steripen’ handheld water purifier....was fantastic, easy to use, saved heaps of dollars, and heaps of plastic bottle waste. CHOOSE TO REFUSE Check out the ABC’s “War on Waste”: http://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/ And the website for “Plastic Free July”: http://www.plasticfreejuly.org/ Also recommended reading: http://treadingmyownpath.com/2017/01/12/onlinezero-waste-plastic-free-stores/ Wendy Baker BSFG Plastic Bag Action Group Source BSFG's May Newsletter, 2017 |
BSFG News
Regular updates on sustainability issues of concern to BSFG members in Benalla and North East Victoria and on key events in the BSFG calendar. Search for articles here...Swanpool Environmental Film Festival - from 2015 to 2023 (click on 'previous' at end of page to go to earlier reports)
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Benalla Sustainable Future Group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work and meet, the Taungerang, Yorta Yorta and Bpangerang people
of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.