SLOWLY but surely, single use plastic is being phased out on the Mornington Peninsula.
In what’s being called a “fitting nod to the end of plastic free July”, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council last week committed to reducing single use plastics and set itself the goal of eliminating their use in council-controlled environments.
The mayor Cr David Gill said the policy would impact council events, the use of council land and facilities and shire business, such as tenders, leases and contracts.
“As a council we’re acting on the concerns of our community by raising this important environmental issue,” he said.
“A new policy will bring environmental awareness and accountability across shire business and public activity.
“The shire must show that its reliance on plastics is being tackled and lead the way in using alternatives that help our community learn about waste reduction best practice.”
Cr Bev Colomb, who pushed for the ban at the 23 July council meeting, said residents supported it.
“Our community have been strong advocates for the elimination of single use plastics across the peninsula and council is supporting this with real action.
“This is not an issue we can wait on: we must act now to protect our precious environment.”
An events policy adopted in June encourages all organisers to ensure events are conducted sustainably with no detrimental impact on the environment or amenity of an area.
The state government will introduce a ban on lightweight plastic shopping bags from 1 November.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 30 July 2019
