The 42nd Annual Synod of the Uniting Church Western Australia, held over the weekend, called on the State Government to take action on the purchase and disposal of single-use plastics.
The Uniting Church has a long standing commitment to social, environmental and intergenerational justice. Recognising the impact of plastics on the environment, particularly in marine ecosystems, the Synod affirmed the 2018 decision of the WA State Government to ban the provision of single-use plastic bags, and called for further action.
This included calling on the State Government to commit to:
1. phasing out use of all non-essential single-use plastics, including products like balloons, glitter, disposable take-away cups and straws;
2. phasing out the procurement of products containing synthetic fibres (except where suitable and safe alternatives composed of natural fibres cannot be obtained);
3. investing in the promotion and expansion of the local plastic recycling industry.
The Synod has also decided to reflect on its own plastic use as a matter of integrity, committing to phasing out the use of non-essential single-use plastics across all operations of the Synod by July 2019.
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