In 2017 the Queensland State Government took significant steps towards addressing Queensland litter and plastic pollution problems by backing a ban on lightweight plastic bags and a Container Deposit Scheme in Queensland, starting in 2018. These are recognised as the first steps in addressing plastic pollution of our environment. These measures will dramatically reduce plastic litter and act to build community awareness about the dangers of plastic litter. The next step is to address the many other forms of disposable plastics. The fact is that plastic litter in the environment is an eyesore, a pollutant, a threat to wildlife and, according to recent reports, a potential threat to human health. Many individuals, governments and businesses have become aware of the plastic pollution problem and are changing habits and practices. However, what we lack is a whole community taking a systematic approach to addressing disposable plastic packaging litter/use, and showing others how this can be achieved. Noosa is an environmentally-aware aware community. Its political and community leaders, Council, local businesses and community have all supported efforts and acted to reduce their plastic packaging footprint. Noosa is the perfect place to become a plastic-free community, protect its environment, and enhance its reputation as a responsible and active environmentally-friendly community that will lead the way for others to follow.
‘Plastic Free Noosa’ is a community plan with an aspirational goal to reduce the use of identified single use plastic packaging in Noosa (by 50%) by July 2018. This will involve Noosa Council, local businesses (specifically hospitality/retailers), local media, community organisations and schools, event organisers and active individuals. To make this plan achievable, we are proposing to target 6 plastic items which represent problematic and prolific sources of the litter stream. We propose that all businesses and organisations in Noosa using the identified items avoid or switch to alternatives and all event organisers plan events to eliminate these items. These items are; plastic food ware (knives, forks, spoons, chopsticks and plates), plastic straws, plastic bags, plastic coffee cups/lids and plastic takeaway containers.
