Plastic waste is a growing environmental concern, with significant impacts on ecosystems worldwide. In Sutherland Shire, this issue is particularly pressing due to its beautiful coastal areas and rich biodiversity. The excessive use of plastic products, especially single-use plastics, contributes to local litter, marine debris, and pollution, threatening both the natural environment and community health.
Reducing plastic waste is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the residents and businesses of Sutherland Shire. This blog aims to provide practical tips and resources to help you manage and reduce plastic waste effectively.
Let’s take a closer look at how we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener Sutherland Shire.
Ways To Reduce Plastic Waste
Reducing plastic waste consumption is crucial for protecting our environment and health. Here are some ideas to help reduce plastic usage:
BYO Containers
Bringing your own containers is a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic waste. Whether it’s a coffee cup, water bottle, or reusable straws every small action helps minimise plastic usage.
Here are some examples of items you can bring with you to avoid single-use plastics:
- Coffee cup
- Water bottle
- Reusable straws
- Reusable cutlery
- Food containers
- Shopping bags
- Vegetable bags
Opt For Low or No Plastic Packaging
When shopping online, choose brands that use eco-friendly wrapping and postage packaging whenever possible.
For food purchases, opt for bulk buying or items with non-plastic packaging.
Grocery shopping at the local farmers’ market in Sutherland on Saturday mornings offers a great opportunity to reduce plastic use by buying fresh produce directly from the source.
Choose Non-Plastic Alternatives
There are many home items that can be substituted to reduce plastic usage. Some alternatives include:
- Switch Disposable Razors for Safety Razors: Safety razors are durable and have replaceable metal blades, reducing plastic waste
- Switch Plastic Toothbrushes for Bamboo: Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and a great eco-friendly alternative
- Choose Reusable Dish Cloths: Avoid microfibre cloths and use old natural fibre clothes cut into rags, which can be washed and reused
- Choose Plastic-Free Toilet Paper: Opt for brands that wrap their toilet paper in paper or other biodegradable materials
- Use Cloth Napkins Over Paper Towels: Cloth napkins can be washed and reused, reducing the need for paper towels that are often wrapped in plastic
Choose Natural Fibres
Choose clothing and textiles made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, and hemp instead of synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Washing synthetic fabrics releases microplastics into the wastewater system, which can then enter waterways.
A study found that a single wash of synthetic clothing can release up to 1,900 microplastic fibres from just one garment.
Source: Plastic Soup Foundation (pdf)
Install A Microplastics Filter
Consider fitting your washing machine with a microplastic filter or a laundry ball designed to capture microfibres. These devices significantly reduce the number of microplastics released into the water during washing cycles.
5 Ways To Recycle Plastic Waste In The Sutherland Shire
Recycling plastic waste is a great option if you can’t avoid using plastics or can’t reuse them. Here are some options for getting your plastics recycled in the Sutherland Shire:
Council Recycling Collection
Add plastic bottles and containers to your yellow bin collection for the council to collect.
The following types of plastics are collected: Plastic containers, bottles, tubs and jars – no lids smaller than a 50-cent coin. Learn more on the council website.
Purple Bin – Return and Earn
The Return and Earn program in the Sutherland Shire is an initiative that allows residents to return eligible beverage containers for a refund. This program aims to reduce litter and promote recycling by providing a 10-cent refund for each returned container. Residents can find local return points and participate easily through the Return and Earn portal.
Soft Plastics Collection
Sign up to a soft plastics recycling service such as RecycleSmart, which is subsidised by the Sutherland Shire council, providing free pick ups or low cost pick ups.
Recycle Smart also collects clothes & textiles, e-waste, batteries, polystyrene and coffee cups.
Skip Bin For Plastics
If you have a large quantity of plastics that need recycling, consider hiring a skip bin. Plastics collected from our skips are sent to a recycling plant, where they are processed and given a new life. This approach is much more environmentally friendly than sending these items to landfill.
Additionally, hiring a skip bin specifically for recyclable plastics is more cost-effective than a standard mixed waste skip bin hire. By segregating your waste, you not only save money but also contribute to more efficient recycling processes.
Get in touch today to book a skip in the Sutherland Shire and surrounds.
Commercial Recycling Pickup
For local business owners needing regular waste collection, including recycling for plastics and other recyclables, Cheapa Waste offers flexible, no-lock-in contracts for garbage collection in the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas.
Ideal for strata buildings, cafes, restaurants, and other businesses, our services ensure efficient and reliable waste management tailored to your needs.
Learn more about Commercial Garbage Collection or give us a call on 0414 308 936.
Get Involved In Community Initiatives To Reduce Plastic Waste
The Sutherland Shire is home to several organisations dedicated to reducing plastic waste and enhancing environmental quality. Here are a few key initiatives and organisations to explore:
Plastic Free Sutherland Shire
An initiative from SO Shire, Plastic Free Sutherland Shire, aims to eliminate the use of common plastic items that contribute to litter and ocean debris. They promote sustainable practices among businesses, residents, and schools, providing practical information and tips. These include bulk purchasing of non-plastic packaging to obtain better discounts.
Sutherland Shire Council’s War on Waste
Implements various programs to encourage recycling, reduce waste, and promote sustainable living within the community.
Learn more about the Council’s War on Waste.
Plastic Free Cronulla
Plastic Free Cronulla is an initiative aimed at eliminating single-use plastics and reducing plastic waste in the local community. This program encourages businesses and residents to adopt sustainable practices by providing resources and support to transition away from plastic products, thus contributing to a cleaner and greener Cronulla.
The Georges RiverKeeper
The Georges Riverkeeper program promotes plastic-free living to protect the Georges River ecosystem, encouraging the community to reduce plastic use and improve environmental health by providing practical tips and resources.
Summary
Reducing plastic waste is crucial for protecting the environment and the unique ecosystems of Sutherland Shire. By adopting practices such as bringing your own containers, opting for low or no plastic packaging, and choosing non-plastic alternatives, residents can significantly cut down on plastic usage.
Additionally, using services like council recycling collection, the Return and Earn program, hiring skip bins for large quantities of recyclables, and commercial recycling collection ensures that plastic waste is properly managed and recycled.
Community initiatives, such as those by Plastic Free Sutherland Shire, Plastic Free Cronulla, and Georges Riverkeeper, offer valuable resources and support for reducing plastic waste. By getting involved and adopting these sustainable practices, the Sutherland Shire community can contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.
Need help removing plastics from your home or business?
We ensure all plastics are correctly managed and sent to a recycling plant. Contact us today.