GET INVOLVED THIS PLASTIC FREE JULY

Shellharbour City Council is encouraging the community to take part in Plastic Free July by making small, practical changes to reduce waste and rethink everyday habits.

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps people cut back on single use plastic and find simple ways to reuse, repair or repurpose items they already have.

Plastic found in Shellharbour’s red bins highlights the amount of waste that can be avoided. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said Plastic Free July is a positive way for the community to come together and take practical action.

“Across our community, people are finding simple ways to cut back on plastic in their everyday lives,” he said.

“Whether it’s reusing what you already have, repairing items, or choosing alternatives to single-use plastic, these small changes add up and help protect our local environment and keep Shellharbour a great place to live.”

Looking for new sustainable habits? Try one simple swap:

• Bring your own shopping bags
• Use reusable containers instead of plastic wrap
• Carry a refillable water bottle
• Choose loose fruit and vegetables
• Repair or reuse items instead of throwing them away

Plastic Free July is about progress, not perfection. Even one small change can help reduce waste, save money and protect the local environment.

This year, Council is sharing local ideas and activities to help residents rethink waste at home and in daily life.

Visit the Plastic Free July display at Shellharbour City Library to explore resources on repair, reuse and sustainable crafts, and pick up tips to reduce waste at home. Throughout the month, our local libraries will also be holding a range of sewing and recycled craft workshops.

The community is also encouraged to visit The Tinkerage at Reviva Dunmore, which provides access to tools and space to repair or repurpose items instead of sending them to landfill.

As part of the July school holiday program, a Denim Reuse Bag workshop on Thursday 16 July will give participants the chance to turn old jeans into a unique reusable bag while learning creative upcycling skills.

Council is also running a Plastic Free July giveaway. Keep an eye on our social media pages for your chance to win.

To take the pledge or find tips to get started, visit Plastic Free July. For local recycling information, including what goes in each bin, visit Shellharbour Waste.

KEY MESSAGES:

• Plastic Free July encourages the community to make simple changes that reduce waste, cut back on single use plastic and help protect the local environment.
• Reusing, repairing and repurposing everyday items can help keep valuable resources out of landfill while saving money and reducing waste.
• Council is supporting Plastic Free July through local workshops, library activities and community giveaways to help residents get involved.