Shoalhaven City Council is encouraging residents to get on board and accept the Plastic Free Challenge this July.
Plastic Free July is an Australian initiative that asks people try a day, week or whole month without plastic – either by seeking alternatives for a few key items (water bottles, plastic bags, straws, takeaway containers) or going cold turkey on everything single use.
Single-use plastic is anything that is intended to be used once then thrown away. If all single-use plastic sounds a bit daunting, just try the "big four" single-use plastic items: plastic bags, plastic lined coffee cups, plastic straws and plastic drink containers.
"There are some simple ways to cut down on plastic, including using reusable containers, saying no to straws and carrying reusable shopping bags."
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is laying down the challenge this year and encouraging residents to make a change this month.
"It is important to remember that this is a challenge, not a competition," Clr Findley said.
"You can sign up to the challenge for just a day or a week, it doesn't have to be a whole month. The idea is to get you thinking about all the plastic packaging we purchase and how we as consumers, can take action to avoid it. Go on, give it a go. " she added.
If this is your first Plastic Free July challenge – welcome. It won't be easy, but it will be an eye-opener and may very well change your future consumption habits for good. Head on over to the Plastic Free July sign-up page, where you'll get lots of tips and tricks to help you through the month.
Be part of the transition to a plastic-light life!
Link to Plastic Free July home page: https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/
