New group wants the Bellarine to go plastic free

PLASTIC Free Bellarine is a local initiative based in Portarlington that aims to reduce the use of single use plastics through education, awareness and the availability of alternative options.

The group, created and lead by Naomi Wells, held its first Plastic Reduction Information Session last Tuesday night.

“Plastic Free Bellarine is a volunteer group aimed at reducing the use of single use plastics including plastic bags, straws, balloons, and coffee cups within our local community,” Naomi said.

“We aim to educate and raise awareness about the issues of plastic within our environment through initiatives such as ‘Boomerang Bags’ – handmade recycled bags for customers to use at the supermarket instead of plastic bags.

“We also aim to encourage local businesses to reduce their use of plastic straws, balloons and coffee cups and to partner with markets and festivals along the Bellarine to establish an environmental presence.”

Naomi said the group wanted to hold educational workshops, including “how to make beeswax wraps” and “how to hold a plastic-free party”, with the intention of collaborating with local businesses, organisations and schools.

“Our most recent initiative is the production of ‘Butt Bins’ – old analogue film canisters, donated by Analogue Academy in Geelong, for environmentally responsible smokers or people who like to pick up microplastics – contact us to arrange a ‘Butt Bin’ for free.”

Naomi said the group was seeking members to assist with the making of their reusable bags.

Anybody is free to donate material to the Portarlington Neighbourhood House to be made into bags, or to donate their own bags into the box at the Portarlington Woolworths.

For more information, email [email protected] or via the Facebook page.