Plastic Wise Benalla, an action group of BSFG now incorporated in the WasteWise Sub-group,  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.

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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.

If you would like to be involved with Plastic Wise Benalla please contact Wendy Baker - wendibaker30@gmail.com

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