Plastic Wise Benalla, an action group of BSFG,  is made up of community volunteers working to reduce the impact of single use plastic on our community and raise awareness about sustainable alternatives to plastic.

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).
Plastic Wise Benalla 
BSFG's Plastic Bag Action Group, later 'Plastic Wise Benalla'  looks at options to reduce or eliminate plastic bags from the waste stream in Benalla.    The goal - to have Benalla a 'single use plastic bag free' & 'water bottle free' town. The group initially met on several occasions with employees of Benalla Rural City and a representative from Benalla Business Network in an initiative to make Benalla a "Plastic Bag Free" town.  
​The 'Plastic Wise Benalla' 'bag making' project commenced in early August 2017. ​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 community members continue to sew at home, with bags on sale at the Benalla Food Cooperative and market stalls. 

In July 2021, as part of 'Plastic Free July',  the group published weekly articles in the Ensign in pursuit of a 'Plastic Wise Benalla'.  The  Group is keen to engage young people in promote the reduction of plastic usage within Benalla. 

It would be great to have new members in our passionate, committed action group with time on their side to work towards our goal. 
​
Wendi Baker,
Plastic Wise Benalla Convenor,
If you would like to be involved in this action group please contact Wendy Baker - wendibaker30@gmail.com