Council extends plastic free July challenge

Newcastle City Council is challenging Novocastrians to a plastic-free July by refusing to use single-use plastic items.

Plastic bags, takeaway containers, straws, coffee cups and plastic packaging are all out for Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, who's challenging the community to join him in his month-long environmental quest.

"I'd like to extend the invitation to all locals to join me in this important movement," Councillor Clausen said.

"Last night I attended the Blue film screening hosted by Council as part of our World Environment month activities. I had the pleasure of introducing environmentalist and Take 3 for the Sea co-founder Tim Silverwood, who spoke about the devastating impact plastic pollution is having on our precious marine life.

Environmentalist Tim Silverwood with Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen at last night's screening of Blue

Scientists estimate by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the world's oceans.

"This is a shocking statistic, particularly for a coastal city like ours," Councillor Clausen added.

"About half of all plastic produced is for single-use. Woolworths, Coles, Harris Farm Markets and IGA have volunteered to phase out single use plastic bags, which is a great start. But we can all join the movement.

"We can refuse to use single-use plastic by taking our own reusable shopping bags to the store, remembering to take our reusable coffee cup to the café, avoiding pre-packaged food and using refillable water bottles.

Last night's screening of Blue was a sell out and not a plastic cup was used by the audience.

"By using less plastic we can help reduce landfill and our ecological footprint. Collectively, the small changes we commit to making day-to-day will make a big difference."

To enter Council's 'Beating Plastic Pollution Competition':

• Refuse to use single-use plastic for the month of July
• Use our plastic free living tips on our website or get creative and find your own plastic free alternatives
• Post a photo of plastic-free living on our social accounts or tag us during July. Be sure to use #plasticfreenewy when you post and we will choose the most creative pic.

Facebook: @newcastlecouncil

Instagram: @citynewcastle

Twitter: @CityNewcastle

The most creative entry will win a prize worth more than $150. The winner will be announced in August 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

Want help getting started with Plastic Free July? Register for our Sew Easy workshop on 7 July, where you can make reusable drawstring veggie and shopping bags. Register now

The Plastic Free July initiative was founded in 2011 by the WMRC Earth Carers in Perth, Western Australia. The Plastic Free July Foundation is now an independent not-for-profit foundation. Join the global movement