City of Swan Council is encouraging residents to think about how much single-use plastic they use, hosting a range of events in support of Plastic Free July.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that encourages people to reduce their consumption of single use plastic waste.
Whether it’s at home, work, school or even a local café or shop, participants are urged to use compostable or reusable alternatives.
City of Swan Deputy Mayor, Mel Congerton said Plastic Free July offered residents the opportunity to make important lifestyle changes that would benefit the environment and community.
“Plastic Free July provides a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the alternatives to single-use plastics that are available,” he said.
“We’ll be supporting both our residents and our local businesses as they make the transition to becoming less reliant on single use plastics.
“There will be a range of exciting events and workshops taking place across the City throughout July and I encourage all residents to get involved and learn about the great alternatives that can become new habits.”
Activities to be held throughout the City during Plastic Free July include:
Clothes Swap Workshops
When: Saturday July 16 and Saturday July 30
Where: Ballajura Kingfisher Hall and Guildford Town Hall
Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
This is a great opportunity to refresh your wardrobe for free. Simply check your wardrobe for items you no longer wear and bring them along to swap for items you will wear. You can bring as many or as few as you like, and similarly take as many or as few as you like!
Cleaning with Chemistry
When: Wednesday July 27
Where: Caversham Community Centre
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Discover effective natural alternatives to toxic and expensive cleaners, all while avoiding plastic. This workshop will arm you with a basic understanding of household science and the knowledge of how to source plastic-free ingredients.
Make Your Own Beeswax Wraps
When: Wednesday July 13
Where: Old Midland Courthouse
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Learn how to make simple food covers from recycled fabric and beeswax as a perfect substitute to plastic cling wrap.
Plastic Free Herb Growing and Preserving
When: Thursday 21 July and Saturday 23 July
Where: Beechboro Public Library and Ellenbrook Community Library
Time: 1.00pm – 2.30pm (Beechboro) and 10.30am – 12.00pm (Ellenbrook)
While purchasing fresh and dried herbs is convenient, more often than not they come in plastic packaging. Learn how to grow and preserve herbs at home without using single-use plastic.
Foraging in the Waste Stream
When: From Saturday July 9
Where: Bullsbrook Public Library and Ellenbrook Arts
Time: Ongoing
Join five contemporary artists as they showcase artworks made from recycled and reclaimed materials in a critique of the insatiable appetite of consumerism.
For the Kids
Nude Your Food
When: Wednesday July 13
Where: Beechboro Public Library
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Explore how nude food (with no single-use plastic packaging) makes a great lunch. Attendees will also learn how to make a low waste snack and their own beeswax wrap to take home.
Patti the Pig
When: Tuesday July 12
Where: Ballajura Public Library
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
Patti the Pig and friends will take children on an educational journey that teaches them about looking after the environment with an emphasis on recycling and waste reduction.
For more information or to book, visit: https://www.swan.wa.gov.au/Your-Services/Libraries/Library-programs-events/Thinking-Green
