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. 
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​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.
  • Consider purchasing a Plastic Wise Benalla reusable bag.  Made by our volunteers (pictured) with upcycled fabric, they are available at BSFG market day stalls and at the Benalla Food Cooperative (Check BSFG calendar for opening dates).
  • Either reuse or refuse produce bags.
  • Choose to refuse pre-packed fruit and vegetables or bring your own reusable netting produce bags;
  • Purchase products packaged in cardboard, paper or glass;
  • Avoid plastic wrap – use a plate, clean shower cap or fabric covers over your leftovers;
  • Ask for meat to be wrapped in paper or take your own container to the butchers. Avoid polystyrene trays.
  • Store food in glass containers;
  • Opt for refills and bulk purchases. Frequent local farmers markets or join the Benalla Bulk Food Co-operative where you can bring your own containers to refill;
  • BYO coffee cup. Support cafes that reduce the price of a takeaway coffee if you BYO or dine-in at your local cafe;
  • Refuse plastic straws. If you need a straw, take a reusable alternative;
  • Say no to purchased bottled water. It is so very expensive and totally avoidable***;
  • Line your rubbish bin with newspaper;
  • Use alternative cleaning products such as bicarb soda, clove oil and vinegar;
  • Buy ‘experiences’ rather than presents that could end up as landfill;
  • Pick up plastic litter;
  • Buy clothing made from natural fibres rather than synthetic, and consider op-shopping before a new purchase; and
  • Replace disposable nappies with washable cloth nappies.

Continue the challenge if travelling:
  • Take your own reusable coffee cup and water bottle;
  • Purify suspect local tap water with tablets or a UV water purifier; and
  • Take your own snacks, earphones, and reusable cutlery.
**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 Benalla News Update 
The “Plastic Wise Benalla” Sub-Committee spent the first half of 2019 continuing to upcycle unused or recycled fabric into reusable shopping bags. Our small team of dedicated volunteers undertook sewing either in the Drill Hall or in the comfort of their own homes. Approximately 250 bags were sold throughout the year with over 100 being sold at the Swanpool SCRAP Art Festival.

Two very dedicated ladies now continue to sew at home, with bags on sale at the Benalla Food Cooperative and market stalls.   There may be potential in the near future for this Group to assist some keen young people to promote the reduction of plastic usage within Benalla.
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Wendi Baker,
Plastic Wise Benalla Convenor,
If you would like to be involved in this Group please contact Wendy Baker - wendibaker30@gmail.com