Bayside City Council has joined Plastic Free July as a member council, making it easier for our community to get involved in the challenge.
Single-use plastics are certainly in the spotlight in 2021, with a number of Australian state governments announcing bans, and the release of the Federal National Plastics Plan and the Victorian State Government’s ban set for 2023
Baysiders are lucky to be living near the Bay and we all have a responsibility to ensure that plastics don’t end up entering our precious waterways and causing harm to marine life.
As part of our ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect our environment, Bayside City Council is taking the Plastic Free July challenge to help our community to avoid single-use plastics.
Where to start
It’s not about being perfect or doing everything. Just taking small, practical steps towards reducing plastic can be so rewarding and make a difference.
For those just starting out, participants often begin by choosing to refuse the ‘Top 4’:
- Straws
- take-away coffee cups
- plastic shopping and produce bags
- plastic water bottles.
Many cafes, restaurants and grocery stores are starting to accept reusables again, and if they’re not, people can still make a difference by choosing to: refuse the lid, disposable cutlery, napkins, and single-serve sauce sachets with takeaway meals. It all adds up!
The single-use alternatives
For participants wanting to build up a supply of reusables to take with them, we always encourage people to use what they have, choose second hand, and support local businesses.
Others prefer to purchase reusable items online. In which case, consider heading to the Plastic Free July website to browse products listed there. And don’t forget to put these reusable items into your bag or car so that you always have them readily available!
There can be a real sense of satisfaction in making positive change for the environment. And the more often people do it, the more likely it will become a habit
Join the challenge today
Join millions of people worldwide taking the Plastic Free July challenge this year. Sign up at plasticfreejuly.org and check out our events where you can learn new skills, meet people and get inspired: www.bayside.vic.gov.au/plastic-free-july-2021
We are all part of the solution. Last year, by each taking small actionable steps every day, Plastic Free July participants collectively avoided 900 million kg of plastic waste that would otherwise have polluted our precious environment.
Get rewarded
Registering for Plastic Free July this year earns you 200 GreenMoney Points! The GreenMoney program is available exclusively for Bayside residents and rewards you for taking everyday sustainable actions with discounts at local businesses. Activate your free account today at: bayside.greenmoney.com.au
Attend an event:
- Thursday 24 June – 11am Plastic Free July: Community in Action
- Sunday 27 June – 11am Plastic Free July for beginners
- Tuesday 20 July – 7pm Plastic Free Baby
Bayside’s continued commitment
As part of Bayside’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact, we’re switching the bin collection schedule
From 1 July 2022:
- food and green waste bins with the light green lids will be emptied weekly
- general waste bins with the dark green lids will be emptied fortnightly
Have your say changes to bin collections: yoursay.bayside.vic.gov.au/bin-collection-changes
Consultation closes on Friday, 9 July.
