Plastic Wise Benalla is a committed group of community volunteers working to raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to plastic.

​Plastic Wise Benalla, under the auspice of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group, is working towards reducing the impact of single use plastic on our community. 
​

​Some of you may think it is 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 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 can all reduce our usage of plastic.

Some ideas to reduce your use of single use plastic:
  • take your own shopping bag or pack your shopping in a box.
  • purchase a Plastic Wise Benalla reusable bag - made by our volunteers with upcycled fabric.  They are available at BSFG market day stalls, local events, and can be purchased for $5 from Benalla Aquatic Centre, Fruits & Fare, One Wild Apple and Blooms on Bridge.
  • either reuse or refuse produce bags
  • purchase products packaged in cardboard, paper or glass
  • avoid cling wrap - use a plate, clean shower cap or fabric covers over your leftovers/bowls
  • opt for refills and bulk purchases - consider joining the Benalla Food Co-operative
  • ask for meat to be wrapped in paper or take your own container to the butchers
  • BYO coffee cup and support cafes that reduce the price of a takeaway coffee if you BYO
  • refuse plastic straws
  • line your rubbish bin with newspaper
  • pick up the plastic litter
  • ask yourself if you really need that new piece of clothing - consider clothes swaps with friends or an op shop purchase 
  • say 'NO" to bottled water
  • drink tap water - it's much better for the environment as it doesn't require any packaging or shipping.  Use a refillable water bottle and fill it from the tap.  One litre of bottled water could cost $3 but for the same price you can refill a one litre reusable bottle from the tap, every day, for over 3 years!  Over 90% of the cost of bottled water can be traced back to the bottle, lid or label.  (North East Water - 'Drink Tap' Inf. Sheet).

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
Plastic Wise Reusable Bags - How to get involved!
Regular working bees have ceased for the moment  - however we will provide an update if new working bees are scheduled so  you can  come along and create bags for our community. 
For more information email:  wendibaker30@gmail.com