Winchelsea banks on plastic-free initiative

WINCHELSEA, Anglesea and Lorne residents will receive free reusable shopping bags thanks to a partnership between Plastic Free Winchelsea and Bendigo Bank.

About 1,700 reusable jute shopping bags will be available across the three townships in February 2018. The initiative will support the local IGA supermarket’s commitment to going plastic bag free in the New Year.

According to Planet Ark, 10 million plastic bags are used daily in Australia, with 7,000 thrown away every minute. Most of these are not recycled, and some end up causing damage to waterways and wildlife.

Winchelsea Ward councillor Carol McGregor praised Plastic Free Winchelsea and Bendigo Bank for their environmental leadership.

“Their vision of a community without plastic litter is to be applauded,” Cr McGregor said.

“It’s great to see that students at Winchelsea Primary School will be some of the first to receive bags for their families through an activity at the school.

“It’s now up to all of us to be part of the solution by remembering reusable bags each time we shop, and choose to avoid plastic ones even if they’re available.”

Plastic Free Winchelsea’s Anne Mulvey said the jute bags will bear a logo designed by the Surf Coast Shire, featuring the message “Bring Your Own reusable bags, cups and bottles”.

“It will remind everyone to do what they can to love our environment by refusing single use plastic items,” Anne said.

Bendigo Bank’s Rob Cameron – who is Business Development Manager of Anglesea and Winchelsea and District Community Bank – said the local branches were thrilled to be involved in the project.

“The $5,000 we have invested will certainly help make our Surf Coast and hinterland region a cleaner and safer place,” Mr Cameron said.

“We are delighted to be launching this through the primary school, as we see the youth of today being the real drivers for change in our society on these key environmental issues.”

Plastic Free Winchelsea welcomes anyone with an interest to join them. Contact Anne via [email protected] or 0447 513 075.

The group can also be found on Facebook by searching “Plastic Free Winchelsea”.