What a year for plastic pollution!
A lot has been happening on the plastic pollution front.
Bans on single-use plastics (SUPs like foodware, stirrers, straws, plates and bowls) have been implemented in South Australia, ACT and Queensland; are coming soon to Western Australia and Victoria; and became law in NSW just a month ago. We now have the National Plastics Plan and various state plans; and the Federal government is taking a lead in our region by calling for a binding Global Plastics Treaty that covers the whole life cycle of plastics, not just the plastic that ends up in the oceans. Our next targets are the second tranche of SUPs to ban and to eliminate excess packaging.
NSW PUSHES FORWARDS
The NSW Plastics Action Plan was released in June 2021 with the claim:
To achieve these outcomes the NSW Government says it will take action to:
- introduce new legislation to reduce harmful plastics
- accelerate the transition to better plastic products
- support innovation
- tackle cigarette butt litter
Under the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041: Stage 1 -2021-2027, NSW has adopted several other relevant targets, including to:
- phase out problematic and unnecessary plastics by 2025
- reduce the total waste generated by 10% per person by 2030
- achieve an average 80% recovery rate of resources from all waste streams by 2030
- significantly increase the use of recycled content by government and industry
- reduce plastic litter items by 30% by 2025
- reduce the overall litter by 60% by 2030
- triple the plastics recycling rate by 2030
- mandate FOGO by 2030.
Given that NSW was falling behind its own previous targets, it has a big job ahead to begin to embrace a circular economy. The same can be said for all the other states. While they may pass legislation with ''circular economy'' in the title - the real work will involve getting the EPA bureaucracies fully focussed; adequate funding for new reprocessing and recovery facilities; mandatory recycled content requirements; and a wide range of product stewardship programs funded by industry.
12 DAYS OF PLASTIC FREE CHRISTMAS!
Lyrics by Lisa Wriley. Vocalist: Peter Hayward
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
my "take-away" sent to me
Eleven cranky Councils
Ten polluted beaches,
Nine full up landfills,
Eight littered roadsides,
Seven choking birds,
Six coffee cups,
Five…. single use plastics,
Four plastic straws,
Three plastic bags,
Two spoons & forks,
And a sushi sauce fish floating out to sea.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my re-usables sent to me
Twelve months Plastic Free
Eleven Council pledges
Ten clean beaches,
Nine healthy rivers,
Eight sparkling roadsides,
Seven happy birds,
Six real coffees,
Five… re-usable items,
Four metal straws,
Three cloth bags,
Two bamboo utensils,
And marine creatures thriving in the sea.
You can still take action by delivering Good SUP, Bad SUP postcards to local cafes and takeaway shops - to either express your gratitude for them switching from single-use plastics to better alternatives, or encourage them with a Be the Change card to make the switch. You can order the cards for a small donation, from the Boomerang Alliance shop.
Heavyweight Shopping Bags
The clock is ticking on heavyweight shopping bags. A number of states are seriously looking at addressing the problems these bags cause. Whilst the major supermarkets estimate that about 80% of their customers bring their own bag - that still leaves 20% who don't. On top of that are the department and non-food retailers who still provide bags, usually for free. The Boomerang Alliance has drafted a position paper and presented this to government. We would like to see it adopted nationally.
Our position calls for all carrier bags to be banned from free supply. If a customer has not brought their own bag, they should have to pay for a new one. We do not support voluntary actions by retailers but urge all governments to regulate retail shopping bags.
The goal for any policy must be to encourage reusable bags when shopping. We are now developing, with the National Retail Association, a reusable shopping bag standard. This will mean a bag that can be used multiple times for the same primary purpose (carrying shopping). An international rule of thumb is that a bag needs to be able to complete 125 shopping cycles, a notion we have adopted. Our position also requires that a bag must be able to complete these carrying 10kgs. It should also maximise the use of recycled materials, a minimum 80%, and have a collection service for recycling at the end of its life.
Current heavyweight bags, usually sold by supermarkets for 15 cents, are not used many multiple times. We have called for these bags to be sold at a minimum $1 to deter habitual use (with profits being donated to community organisations involved in litter and plastic waste campaigns). These bags should be phased out.
Australia has made tremendous progress on lightweight plastic bags in the last few years and bag litter has been slashed by an estimated 70% (based on QLD Environment Dept figures). Getting rid of other single use bags and making reusable bags commonplace is our next step.
Read our Position Statement on Heavyweight Bags
Standard Practice
All Australian Governments have committed to the target of all being packaging either reusable, compostable or recyclable by 2025. A good goal, but the problem is that reusable, compostable or recyclable does not mean any package will be actually be reused, composted or recycled! In reality, most plastic packaging ends up as litter or waste in landfill. Latest data indicates that less than 16% of plastic packaging is recovered, and figures for reusables or compostables are unknown (but much worse that recycling).
What is needed are national, binding, reusable standards for packaging. This would mean that if a package is supplied as reusable, compostable or recyclable it means it has been tested against a standard and will be recovered, composted or reused in practice and at scale. If a product does not meet the criteria it cannot be advertised as a reusable, compostable or recyclable product. It puts greenwashing in the frame.
One recent example we exposed, is Big W continuing to sell single-use plastic picnic and party plates in Queensland despite a state ban. Big W tried to claim the plates were reusable. If Australia had a standard, Big W would have had to prove their product against this standard. And there was no way they would pass such a test.
Another concerns manufacturer claims on compostable takeaway items. A compost standard, with the certification displayed must be required.
Leaving aside the problem of excessive packaging of fresh food - the limitations of the Australian Recycling Label (ARL) are exposed when a plastic wrapper in Coles and Woolworths can be marked as recyclable, whilst in ALDI it is waste. The difference being that ALDI does not provide a soft plastics collection service. A proper standard would require anything marked recyclable to be recycled, wherever it is bought.
There are three pertinent standards that should be considered.
1. Reusables
The international reusable product standard (ISO 18601:2013) is one early guide. Reusable means designed to reused multiple times for the same primary purpose. It should have systems in place to allow the consumer to reuse or return. Ideally it should be made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials. At the end of its life, a reusable product should be collected and recycled. We believe an Australian standard will need to update this for modern challenges.
2. Compostables
There are two Australian compost standards (AS 5810 Home and AS 4736 Commercial). Products that meet the standard degrade without any toxic residues. All packaging, including non-plastics, should meet one of these standards. They should all display the certification or not be available in the market. The home compost standard is the best and should be common practice. Some items such as coffee cups use a bioplastic lining so they need to be commercially composted. As soon as possible, commercial compostable products should be phased out. As litter in the environment they will not fully degrade. Compostable packaging is made from plant matter, not fossil fuels.
Note:The Boomerang Alliance backs avoiding or reusing takeaway packaging as the best options. However we recognise that most food outlets are not ready to go exclusively reusable. Non-plastic or certified compostable foodware is promoted as a better transitional alternative to recyclable takeaway foodware.
3. Recyclable
Australia has adopted the Australian Recycling Label, which as the name suggests is not a standard but a label. It provides instructions on how to dispose of packaging so it can be recycled. It considers three components - box, wrap and lids and provides advice on whether items are recyclable, conditionally recyclable or not recyclable. It does not mean any of it will be recycled. We need a standard that requires a manufacturer to design packaging for easy recycling, to have effective collection and infrastructure in place and pay for this service to be provided.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
The Boomerang Alliance has called for the adoption of nationally-binding standards for all three types of packaging by the end of 2022. There is no way the 2025 targets will be met without them.
Industry Packaging Covenant admits failure on national targets
Industry based Australian Packaging Covenant (APC) released a major review today but almost all of Australia's key packaging waste and recycling targets are on the path to failure.
The report is a shocking indictment of the voluntary nature of the targets which are to be met by 2025 and reinforces our call for mandatory targets. This is the only rational response to the revelations that recovery of plastic packaging will miss the 70% goal by a large amount; and recycled content of plastic packaging is 3%, way below the 20% target.
The bright spots on banning single use plastic items and accelerating recovery of drink containers under Container Deposit Schemes are the direct result of legislation, not APC action. The report repeats more of the same mantra about voluntary action to develop more plans, encourage investment and collective action. These are just words. Government needs to step in to stop the waste, protect the environment and get the packaging industry on the path to quick results.’
Under the current situation, we’ll get to 2024 and business will seek an extension of time to reach the targets. That would be unacceptable. The Packaging Covenant has missed too many goals and should not be given another chance. We’ll give them credit for admitting failure and being transparent but that must mean they join with us to craft an effective regulatory response now rather than wait till 2025. Last year we issued a Plan B, for this eventuality and it’s time to put it into action. We also note that other countries such as the UK will be imposing a tax on plastic packaging if it has less than 30% recycled content.
Wise Up to SUPs
There are things we can all do to reduce our use of Single-Use Plastics (those Bad SUPs) - by simply refusing the items many of us can live without eg plastic straws and sauce sachets or remembering to BYO and choosing to re-use (bags, cups, straws, cutlery etc). Beyond our own actions we can also help bring about change in the community by giving positive feedback to businesses, organisations and individuals who are making an effort and encouraging those who aren't there yet to make the change.
As always you can also send a message to our Environment Ministers, State and Federal to tell them why you care about single-use plastics and the plastic waste and pollution they contribute to. Use email, social media and even request an appointment.
Persistence pays of and you really do make a difference! If you would like to take action with others consider volunteering with us.
TAKE ACTION
SEND A GRATITUDE CARD
Are there cafes or restaurants in your local area who have done the right thing and got rid of single-use plastic cutlery/coffee cups/straws/take away containers? Send them Gratitude cards to let them know that their effort hasn't gone unnoticed and is much appreciated. They can stick it on their wall as a badge of honour too!
The cards come in a pack of 10 or 25 and can be bought from our online store.
Buy a pack of Gratitude cards | More Information & FAQs
SEND A BE THE CHANGE CARD
If your local cafes or restaurants are still using single-use plastic items, why not send them Be the Change cards to encourage them to switch to reusable or compostable alternatives. You can also point them to our Covid-19 Plastic Free Guide which will help them choose the right products.
The cards come in a pack of 10 or 25 and can be bought from our online store.
Buy a pack of Be the Change cards | More Information & FAQs
SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
SA, QLD, ACT and WA have earned congratulations for getting the ball rolling on SUP phase outs and need to keep up the momentum. NSW finally has released it's Plastic Action Plan and we await legislation. But VIC, TAS, and NT are still not taking action in phasing out Single-Use Plastics and we need your help to send them a message of encouragement!
While you're at it, maybe attach a few photos of littered SUPs that you've picked up?
Use our email template | Find the contact detail of your State Environment Minister
RESOURCES
REPORTS
- National Plastics Plan 2021
- WWF: The States of Plastics in Australia 2020
- WWF: Single Use Plastics Report 2020
- Nine News Australia: Plastic Problems
- Tasmania Backs the Use of BYO Cups and Containers
- Queensland Introduces Plastic Ban Into Parliament
- Plastic Free Places Guide
- ABC News: Coronavirus lockdown spurs growth in single-use plastics
We need an effective Marine Plastic Treaty
UPDATE: 3 MARCH 2022
The 174 nations including Australia get a big tick for agreeing to develop a global plastic pollution treaty. The resolution coming out of negotiations in Nairobi has now established the framework of a binding treaty, that will address the full lifecycle of plastic including production and design as well as waste and pollution. This is a set-back for the fossil fuel sector who wanted to limit agreements to waste and litter issues, but who will no doubt continue their lobbying.
Fulfillment of the intention to finalise a treaty by 2024 can’t come soon enough. In the interim, jurisdictions like those in Australia should continue to enact strong plastic use and waste reduction laws. An effective treaty is predicted to reduce plastic pollution by 80% by 2040; and virgin plastic use by 55%* - but it is essential nations curb these drivers even faster. Australia is well placed to do this to protect our oceans and health.
Including production and design in the treaty was crucial. Without this, some could ignore their obligations and affected countries would be condemned to perpetually cleaning up plastic pollution, whilst manufacturers could avoid responsibility for the products they produce.
The Boomerang Alliance acknowledges the positive role the Commonwealth has played in supporting this week’s treaty developments.
What we also now need is action that includes providing funding for clean ups in Northern Australia and, through foreign aid assist countries in our region to both clean up and then recycle plastics, often washed ashore from elsewhere.
We look forward to seeing allocations in the upcoming budget and in the election commitments of the political parties at the next Federal election across a range of measures to combat plastic pollution.
* https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/speech/leap-forward-environmental-action
2021
With an estimated 11 million tonnes of plastic waste entering our oceans every year – global, national and local action is vital to stop this. The Boomerang Alliance is working at all three levels and now we have joined the push for a marine plastic treaty.
Australia, with its vast ocean estate and place in the Indo-Pacific must play an active role.
The good news is that the Australian Government has announced support for a global treaty and is now consulting key groups about its contents. We need an effective and binding contract and Australia should be a leader in the negotiations and strengthen the voice of Pacific nations. We should aim for zero plastic pollution.
The Australian position will be finalised over November-January, with the UN meeting in February, 2022.
We are asking for your help by contacting PM Scott Morrison and Environment Minister, Sussan Ley through their online contact forms.
You can use the following points and easy links to contact the government:
- Thank you for supporting a global treaty on marine plastic pollution.
- We need a treaty with ambitious targets to stop plastic pollution that also provides investment and support for countries without adequate waste prevention and recycling; and is enforceable.
- I hope that the Australian Government can lead by convincing other nations to join and support an effective treaty that will quickly bring plastic pollution under control.
SUPtember Calendar
Start off the month by completing a quick SUP survey about your current habits with Single-Use Plastics. Try and remember to do the SUP Survey again at the end of the month - the link is on 30 SUPtember :) Also get set up for SUPtember by ordering your Good SUP, Bad SUP postcards.
Pledge to say no to plastic shopping bags, take your re-usables. Make sure you have your re-usable bags in your car boot or in your carry bag. And check out Tim Minchin in all his glory shouting "Take Your Canvas Bag to the Supermarket!!"
Clean Up Australia is calling on all Australians to Step Up and make a pledge towards reducing their waste contribution. There are so many ways to Step Up! And together we can all be part of the solution. Share your Step Up action by taking a selfie, sharing it and tagging @CleanUpAustralia #StepUptoCleanUp
Step Up to Clean Up on YouTube
If you live north of the Tropic of Capricorn, step up and register for The Great Northern Clean Up. It has been an annual event in September since 2009, giving communities north of the Tropic of Capricorn the flexibility to participate in clean up events in the cooler months, after the peak tourist period and prior to the cyclone season.
SUPport your local bag share group - do you have a Boomerang Bag group near you? Check out the Boomerang Bag shop to support this awesome Australian community group. Short on bags? Order one from Boomerang Bags.
Featured local bag share group: Lane Cove Sustainability Action Group Bag Share Program
Paddle NSW is organising paddle-based clean ups at various location across NSW. For more information visit their website or email [email protected]
For those of you who don't live near a planned clean up paddle, you can Take3 For the Sea - Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere and you have made a difference!
ReefClean is a project coordinated by Tangaroa Blue Foundation and funded through the Australian Government’s Reef Trust focused on the removal and prevention of marine debris across the Great Barrier Reef. ReefClean connects community members, indigenous rangers, schools, government agencies, local businesses and organisations in addressing one of biggest threats to our oceans. There are many events throughout September so sign up on!
For those of you who don't live near the Great Barrier Reef, have a read how plastics have become a growing threat to coral reefs.
Find local suppliers of re-usable and paper straws, don't be tricked by oxo-degradable plastic straws!* Here's one example of a paper straw supplier.
*Oxo-degradable is a conventional plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegradation. Oxo-degradable plastics quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces, called microplastics, but don’t break down at the molecular or polymer level like biodegradable and compostable plastics. The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down.
Do you live in or near Manly, NSW? Join us on the 1st and 3rd Saturday’s of the month at 9am (or 10am in winter), for a free community cleanup at Manly Cove. We provide bags and gloves for those who wish to cleanup on the beach, and encourage you to bring swimmers and goggles for a cleanup beneath the surface. Floating debris can be collected by SUP or kayak and our friends at Manly Kayak Centre will happily hire you one. Come dressed for the method of cleanup you prefer! Email [email protected] to register.
For those of you who don't live in the area, do a Take3 For the Sea - Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway or anywhere and you have made a difference.
Pick up any SUP litter today and send a photo to your local state MP and Environment Minister, ie. via email or tag them on Facebook and Twitter. Check our July Newsletter to see which SUPs your state is banning and when. Thank them for taking action and tell them where you found the bad SUP and why it is so important to phase out SUPs in your state ASAP.
What YOU can do to be exSTRAWdinary! Ask for no straw - Most drinks can be drunk without a straw these days. Plus, it's a great way to start a conversation with your bartender about the impact of plastic straws! BYO reusable straw - You can carry a metal, bamboo or glass straw with you for those occasions when you really want a straw. Chat to venues - As a customer, you have more power than you think. Let your favourite bar or cafe know you'd love for them to stop using plastic straws. You can even visit them with a few Plastic Free Resources to help them get started.
Talk to your local soccer/netball/footy club about any SUPs they are using. Can you help them find alternatives? (Refer to your research on Tuesday :)
Follow the example of great local sports clubs like Brunswick junior Football Club.
Beach Patrol has created a phone app to record the collection of the top 24 SUP items for any group or individual to use called Litter Stopper. Free to download from Apple AppStore and Google Play Store. The person entering the data gets sent a copy of the data as well to a central server. Instructions are on the front page of the app.
You can see the results of all the collections on the Litter Stopper website with some interesting basic analysis on the View summary page. Download the data from the website too if you wish to use it.
Pledge to say no to takeaway plastic foodware, eg. trays, cutlery and especially polystyrene. Plan ahead and take your own container and cutlery if you are eating out and use the Good SUP, Bad SUP cards.
Ask your local school to try alternatives to any of the single use plastic items that they use in the canteen or office. Check out the Ocean Friendly Business program run by the Surfrider Foundation - can your local school canteen meet the challenge?
Get some good ideas to help your school canteen go plastic free from Plastic Free July.
Find local suppliers of paper, sugarcane, and other compostable alternatives to plastic foodware items. So Shire have a good page of suppliers to check out. Find out if your Council or a local company offers a Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) service, that accepts certified compostable items with the food scraps.
Extra challenge: Find out about what the Australian Home Composting Standard and Industrial Composting Standards mean.
Pick up any SUP litter today and send a photo to your local state MP and Environment Minister, ie. via email or tag them on Facebook and Twitter. Check our July Newsletter to see which SUPs your state is banning and when. Thank them for taking action and tell them where you found the bad SUP and why it is so important to phase out SUPs in your state ASAP.
Visit your local cafe/restaurant and talk to them about SUPs - If they are bad-SUP-free give them a big thank you! If they are still using bad SUPs encourage them to make the switch to reusables or compostable items. Give them a Good SUP, Bad SUP card - either a Gratitude card or a Be the Change card, available from Boomerang Alliance Online Shop.
Also check our Boomerang Alliance Plastic Free Places program for some guides on how to be a Plastic Free Business.
Find out about the great national citizen science program AUSMAP. "It’s hard to solve a problem you can’t see. So we’re putting microplastic pollution on the map!"
Pledge to say no to single use beverage cups and bottled water and take your own reusable cup and bottle. Be inspired by the story of Bundanoon in NSW, the world's first bottled water free town in 2009! Also find out how the Bottled Water Free Town idea came about.
If you haven't got a reusable cup, it's time to get one! A lot of local businesses and councils are selling or even giving away re-usable cups. Or dust off the one in your cupboard and remember to take it when you are out and about. Be assured that washing a re-usable cup is safe. Learn about the "contactless pour" if your local coffee shop is concerned. Find out about Covid-safe coffees.
Check out if there is a plastic free group active near you and if there isn't one yet consider getting one started. Small groups of people can make a big difference. Together you can encourage your local council to take action and sign up to Plastic Free Places, or start with a trial. Be inspired by groups like SO SHIRE/Plastic Free Sutherland in the Sutherland Shire of NSW (where the Prime Minister lives!) and Seaside Scavenge who are running creative events around the country.
Pick up any littered coffee cups, lids or other cup rubbish today and send a photo to your local state MP and Environment Minister, ie. via email or tag them on Facebook and Twitter. Check our July Newsletter to see which SUPs your state is banning and when. Thank them for taking action and tell them where you found the bad SUP and why it is so important to phase out SUPs in your state ASAP.
Have you cashed in your eligible bottles and cans for 10c REFUNDS? Find your nearest collection point, Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine or automated depot where can take large number of bottles/cans. If you're in Victoria or Tasmania, write to your State Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio (VIC) and Roger Jaensch (TAS) and encourage them to get a wriggle on. They are committed to bringing in a Container Refund System so thank them and tell them why you think it is important. We want a system that maximises recycling, reduces litter and helps charities raise money. Find the link to their contact details on every Friday on the calendar.
The Clean Up Australia PLOG-A-THON is the perfect way to get out in your local area. Socially responsible, physically distant exercise that leads to a cleaner environment and community - what's not to love?
The PLOG-A-THON is a great way to burn off energy, get the whole family involved – and raise funds for Clean Up Australia. All participants will pay a $20 registration fee and receive a plogging kit containing gloves, hand sanitiser and bags. As with traditional walk-a-thons and other fun runs, you can register as an individual or join a virtual team, setting targets for fundraising, distance covered and litter collection.
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways, every year on the 4th Sunday in September. It highlights the many values of our rivers, strives to increase public awareness, and encourages the improved stewardship of all rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.
Be inspired by groups who care for their local river, like the Mudcrabs, the Mullets with the Cooks River and around the world.
Pledge to get out and enjoy and look after our waterways by spreading the word about the importance of not using bad SUPs. We totally encourage you to try good SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards if you can) - there are heaps of small businesses giving lessons, hiring SUPs and community groups you can join to get out on the water. Check out where you can paddle in your state or territory and visit their respective websites: Paddle NSW, Paddle VIC, Paddle QLD, Paddle SA, Paddle TAS and Paddle Australia.
Write to your local paper (snail mail, email or on social media) and your State Environment Minister to tell them what you have done during SUPtember. Send a copy to [email protected] so we can include stories and photos in our Boomerang Alliance newsletter.
Join with other SUPporters of the Boomerang Alliance in regular actions, letter-writing and consider being a financial supporter if you are able. Maybe you are a Plastic Free Champion? or Zero Waste Hero? Keep up to date with us by signing up to our newsletter.
Last survey - whether or not you completed the SUP Survey at the start of the month, please complete our quick SUP survey about your current habits with Single-Use Plastics. Have you made any or many changes during the month?
Every day for 30 days, you will be challenged to take a pledge or a small action to refuse Single Use Plastic items. If you're a busy person, just do what you can, every small action matters!
SUPtember
As part of the Boomerang Alliance Zero Plastic Pollution Campaign, we are celebrating SUPTEMBER again! A whole month dedicated to getting rid of Single Use Plastics by inspiring and mobilising our supporters to take action.
TAKE ACTION
SUPTEMBER CALENDAR
Visit our SUPtember Calendar where every day for 30 days, you will be challenged to take a pledge or a small action to refuse Single Use Plastic items.
If you're a busy person, just do what you can. Every small action matters!
SEND A GRATITUDE CARD
Are there cafes or restaurants in your local area who have done the right thing and got rid of single-use plastic cutlery/coffee cups/straws/take away containers? Send them Gratitude cards to let them know that their effort hasn't gone unnoticed and is much appreciated. They can stick it on their wall as a badge of honour too!
The cards come in a pack of 10 or 25 and can be bought from our online store.
Buy a pack of Gratitude cards | More Information & FAQs
SEND A BE THE CHANGE CARD
If your local cafes or restaurants are still using single-use plastic items, why not send them Be the Change cards to encourage them to switch to reusable or compostable alternatives. You can also point them to our Covid-19 Plastic Free Guide which will help them choose the right products.
The cards come in a pack of 10 or 25 and can be bought from our online store.
Buy a pack of Be the Change cards | More Information & FAQs
SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
SA, QLD, ACT and WA have earned congratulations for getting the ball rolling on SUP phase outs and need to keep up the momentum. NSW finally has released it's Plastic Action Plan and we await legislation. But VIC, TAS, and NT are still not taking action in phasing out Single-Use Plastics and we need your help to send them a message of encouragement!
While you're at it, maybe attach a few photos of littered SUPs that you've picked up?
Use our email template | Find the contact detail of your State Environment Minister
RESOURCES
REPORTS
- National Plastics Plan 2021
- WWF: The States of Plastics in Australia 2020
- WWF: Single Use Plastics Report 2020
- Nine News Australia: Plastic Problems
- Tasmania Backs the Use of BYO Cups and Containers
- Queensland Introduces Plastic Ban Into Parliament
- Plastic Free Places Guide
- ABC News: Coronavirus lockdown spurs growth in single-use plastics
DANGEROUS BALLOON LITTER SHOULD BE STOPPED ACROSS AUSTRALIA
What goes up must come down! Let’s stop the release of helium balloons that are harming or killing marine animals and birds.
While a few states are taking some steps to act - we need the Australian continent and oceans to be fully protected.
The Boomerang Alliance has prepared an action plan* calling for:
- laws to prevent the release of helium balloons
- governments ensuring compliance with those laws
- restricting the sale of balloon helium at the retail level to registered balloon industry suppliers
- requiring professional event managers to educate attendees, stop any releases and ensure correct balloon disposal.
By signing onto the letter below to your Environment Minister – we can convince all state and territory governments to stop this pollution.
Please support our call for a nationwide ban on helium balloon releases.
Plastic Free Places
The issue of single-use plastics is high up the agenda in 2021 with governments all over Australia introducing, or looking to introduce bans on single-use plastics.
We have been working closely with many state governments to advise on alternatives and to assist food retailers affected by the bans to switch to better alternatives with our Plastic Free Places program. We are also being supported by the Commonwealth Government to create a ‘Plastic Free Beaches’ program, that will see our program extended to all states and territories of Australia. Expect more news soon.
We have begun the recruitment process for the positions of Plastic Free Beaches Community Coordinator, one in Sydney and one in Perth. If you’re a local in those areas and love the sound of working to create change in your community, it might be the job for you!
In July, we are embarking on a 4-month Qld Government appointed tour to present the Qld plastic ban (which starts on September 1) to local community groups and show them how they can make switches to their fundraising and community activities. We’re super excited to get back to our road-tripping, having done similar tours in 2017 and 2018 to talk to community groups about the Container Refund Scheme. Engagement with the local community has always been at the core of the Plastic Free Places program, and we believe that face-to-face interactions are the key to connecting with people and creating inspiring change!
Check out our tour schedule - please share it with anyone you know in Qld who might be interested in attending.
Lastly, our current programs in Adelaide, Cairns, Townsville, Byron and Rockhampton (a newbie which started in March this year) are all going from strength to strength. This year is seeing an increased focus on reusables and we rolled out a successful trial a few months ago with select cafes all over Australia to help them supercharge use of reusables. This will be offered to all member cafes of the Plastic Free Places program, and we will work with them closely one-on-one over a period of one month to help them create new behaviour changes, both for the cafe and their customers. And for those cafes not in our program, we’ll have an online toolkit - that we’ll be asking all of our followers (i.e. you) to share with your local cafes.
Thanks for your continued support!