What will you Choose to Refuse and Reuse

This year Sunshine Coast Council is proud to be a member council of Plastic Free July to support our ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste, protect our environment and help our community avoid single-use plastics.

Joined by 73 other Councils across Australia, we encourage Sunshine Coast residents to take up the challenge and commit to making one or more change – to refuse single use plastics for a more sustainable option.

Many single use plastic items can be avoided by making simple changes in our daily habits and choices. In 2020, an estimated 326 million people worldwide took part in the Plastic Free July challenge making a big collective impact. On average, participants reduced their household waste and recycling by almost 5% (or 21kg).

Simple swaps like taking your own water bottle, refilling with bulk foods and embracing reusable produce bags for your fruit and veg can really make a difference.

As a Plastic Free July Member Council we will be able to share a wider range of resources and event opportunities with you throughout the month including; cooking demos, going plastic free on a budget, talking community with Sarah Wilson and more….

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Organise a Plastic Free Morning Tea at your workplace or playgroup
Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz
Learn how to Make your own beeswax wraps with this informative Living Smart video or register for a workshop at your local library
Join the action through the Sunshine Coast Council Beach clean up program
Learn all there is to know about how to Get Plogging or start a Plog a Thon!
Register with millions of other people to take the Plastic Free July Challenge

With the next round of Queensland bans to single use plastics happening this September, it’s a great warm up to saying goodbye to single use straws, stirrers, expanded polystyrene shells and trays and plastic cutlery. For more useful info on upcoming single use plastics ban head to www.qldplasticsban.com.au

Breakdown of waste found in Sunshine Coast Waterways over a 12 month period

Whether you’re heading to work, on the go, doing the shopping or eating out, there are plenty of plastic-free or zero waste options to embrace…

Work

Don’t go anywhere without your BYO cutlery wrap, water bottle, bag and coffee cup (even if you can’t use it at all cafés due to Covid, they still come in handy in the workplace). Zero-waste lunch is ON!

Shopping

BYO reusable produce and shopping bags - get a set and keep them wherever you will remember them – add them to your shopping list or add a reminder to your phone. Clean, refillable containers or jars for bulk food purchases. Choose to refuse pre-packaged meat, fish and deli products, particularly those sold on polystyrene trays.

Picnic

Pop together the perfect package of reusable; tumblers, straws, plates, cutlery and condiment containers. When packing lunch consider buying fresh, local and plastic free.

On the Go

Collapsable or reusable tumblers in the glovebox, BYO shopping bags, water bottles and cutlery wrap. Also, check with your local cafe or restaurant if you can bring your own container for take away food.

Kitchen

Avoid cling wrap by storing and packing food in reusable containers. You can also purchase reusable silicone bowl toppers to cover food in bowls, pots and pans, or even get crafty with an upside down plate, reusable cloth cover or wax wrap. Choose to refuse plastic bin liners and line the bin with a few sheets of newspaper, use compostable bin liner bags or use a ‘naked bin’ and simply wash it out as needed.

Bathroom

Make friends with a bamboo toothbrush, trial a shampoo or body bar, buy plastic free cotton tips or get a metal safety razor with recyclable blades. Also, consider alternatives to single-use makeup wipes and sanitary items.

Participate in upcoming event

Here are some great opportunities to participate induring Plastic Free July on the Sunshine Coast: