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.
  • 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 Benalla News Update 
The “Plastic Wise Benalla” Sub-Committee spent the first half of the year 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.

The Group has taken a break for the remainder of the year with two very dedicated ladies continuing to sew at home. 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,
​May 23 2019
If you would like to be involved in this Group please contact Wendy Baker - wendibaker30@gmail.com