Alpine Shire Council invites community members to take part in Plastic Free July, a global movement that encourages people to reduce their single-use plastic consumption.
Plastic Free July was developed by the Australian charity, Plastic Free Foundation, in 2011 and has grown to become a global movement that aims to create a world without plastic waste.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said that taking part in Plastic Free July gives people the opportunity to think about the place of single-use plastics in their lives and take simple, everyday steps to avoid it where they can.
"Refusing to use single-use plastics only takes a little effort and can help people to live more mindfully by thinking beyond their day-to-day," she said.
"Refusing is the first step to decreasing your impact, following by reducing when refusing isn't an option, then recycling whatever can't be reduced.
"Our children and grandchildren are going to inherit the choices that we make today, so I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to think about how they can reduce the single-use plastics that they have come to rely on."
Cr Nicholas also encouraged people to sign up to Council's soft plastics recycling program.
"Single use plastics have become so ingrained in our society that it can be challenging to avoid it, and some single-use plastics can be necessary if you have a disability or medical needs that require specific equipment."
"If this is the case, I encourage you to sign up to our soft plastics recycling program, which gives people the opportunity to recycle their soft plastics from home."
Community members can find out more about Plastic Free July, including ideas and solutions to reduce their plastic waste, by visiting https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/
More information about Council waste services, including the soft plastics recycling program, can be found online on Council's website: https://www.alpineshire.vic.gov.au/rubbish