By Oliver Lees
Macedon Ranges council has pledged to waste less this month by taking up the Plastic Free July Challenge.
Now in its 10th year, the Plastic Free July Challenge encourages participants to find sustainable, plastic-free alternatives for everyday lifestyle purchases.
Macedon Ranges council mayor Jennifer Anderson said council staff will be taking on personal plastic-free challenges and sharing information about how the community can reduce their use of single-use plastics.
“We’ve supported Plastic Free July over the years, and in 2021, the council is stepping up its involvement to bring the community together on the issue of waste reduction,” Cr Anderson said.
“Residents of the Macedon Ranges will find many local businesses already providing great alternative ways of packaging goods.
“These alternatives include plastic-free, long-lasting, reusable and easily recyclable products as alternatives to single-use plastics. This is a great opportunity to buy local whilst taking the challenge of Plastic-free July.”
An estimated 326 million people took part in the challenge last year, with participants reducing their household waste and recycling by close to 5 per cent.
According to a 2020 Thinkfield Research survey, 92 per cent of respondents support policies that reduce plastic waste.
Macedon Ranges council has adopted an action plan towards phasing out single-use plastic use in the shire.
In March, Macedon Ranges council formally declared a climate emergency.
Cr Anderson said council can play a part in encouraging environmentally friendly habits in the community.
“Once you start making some changes during Plastic Free July, you will learn how easy it is to continue them as part of everyday activities and choose non-plastic alternatives almost every time.”
