The impact of single use plastics on our environment is becoming a major concern. France is currently making the transition to being single use plastic bag free. A number of our states and local council areas have decided to become plastic bag free and an action group of Benalla Sustainable Future Group is advocating for a plastic bag free Benalla. ‘Plastic Free July’, a campaign which began in Western Australia and has begun to spread worldwide, encourages us to think about and set challenges in relation to our use of single use plastic bags and bottles.
In terms of ‘acting locally’, W4 performs rather well, with up to 30 china mugs being used six or more times a week and very rare use of plastic cups. Towards a Sustainable Future class members typically bring their books to class in calico bags or baskets. However there is still room for all of us to set challenges individually, as U3A member Jenny Geer is doing during ‘Plastic Free July’, and to support reduction in the use of single use plastic throughout the year. Why not see the website: www.plasticfreejuly.org