The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is partnering with 17 organisations to help communities transition from single-use plastics following the first of the state’s bans last month.
James Griffin, Minister for Environment, said the EPA would deliver funding to community champions to inspire others.
“To coincide with Plastic Free July, we’re delivering almost $900,000 in funding support for 17 organisations to educate communities,” he said. “As we pivot away from single-use plastics, these community partnerships will help drive necessary change.”
Plastic Free July is a global movement operated by the Plastic Free Foundation, a not-for-profit charity based in Western Australia.
The EPA’s partner organisations include Surfing NSW, the Men’s Shed Association, Take 3, and the Great Plastic Rescue, which offers businesses recycling solutions for excess lightweight single-use plastic bags.
OzGreen and Green Music Australia will work with music festivals and food vendors to introduce more sustainable business practices. Education campaigns will also be launched through Girl Guides and Mens’ Sheds across the state.
Following June’s lightweight single-use plastic bag ban, The New South Wales Government will introduce bans on additional problematic plastics from 1 November 2022.
Further banned items will include plastic drinking straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls, cotton bud sticks, expanded polystyrene food packaging and cups, and cosmetic products containing plastic microbeads.
The EPA estimates single-use plastic items and packaging make up 60 per cent of all litter in the state, and that the bans will keep almost 2.7 billion plastic litter items out of the environment over the next 20 years.
For more information, visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au
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