Community
8 July, 2021
Get Drastic With Plastic!
WHEN growing up in the 70s and 80s it seemed that nobody was worried about plastic stuff, it was simply, just plastic. For the generation before, plastic was this amazing new invention that would see the end of heavy, brittle bakelite.
Although plastic has many uses, the 21st century world has highlighted the horrific damage that plastic misuse is causing to our environment. We’ve all seen pictures of plastic bottle infested rivers and beaches, plus turtles and dolphins caught up in plastic six pack holders.
Anyone who enjoys deep sea diving will tell you about the sea beds of plastic straws.
Environmentally aware members of our planet and even some large organisations have made efforts to reduce plastics in our day-to-day life. We now try to avoid plastic shopping bags, these days, but in reality, supermarkets are still full of plastic packaging.
Later this year Queensland will take a huge positive step when a State wide ‘single use’ plastic ban comes into effect. Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and bowls and expanded polystyrene (foam) cups and containers will all be a no-no from September 1st.
This is far from everything plastic but it is a fantastic start.
The Douglas Shire has now joined forces with Plastic Free Cairns as one of five communities across Queensland taking the lead to phase out single-use plastics.
Council has secured a fully funded support resource from Boomerang Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation working toward a zero-waste society in Australia.
Mossman local and program coordinator Helen Reilly, will exclusively meet with hospitality businesses across the Douglas Shire, over the next six months, to help them switch to reusable and sustainable alternatives.
Helen encourages everyone to go above and beyond the items that are due to be banned and become true ‘Plastic Free Champions’.
An information session will be held for Community Groups and Not-For-Profits on Tuesday July 13 at 5:30pm at Mossman Shire Hall. It will cover items included in the ban and what alternative products can be used. Plastic Free Cairns & Douglas will also be at the Mighty Mossman Show on July 18 and 19 to provide information.
Other free information sessions include Cairns on Monday July 12 and Innisfail on Wednesday July 14, both starting at 5.30pm.
Time for my Mocca from a plastic free cup, so for now, it’s Gazza signing out!
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
