SOUTH East environmental group Community Action for Sustainability (CAS) has faith the region would embrace the proposed single-use plastic ban announced by the State Government earlier this month.
Plastic straws, drink stirrers and cutlery are in-line to be banned across the state with the government foreshadowing introducing legislation to parliament early next year.
It also follows the recent announcement of a 40pc increase in the solid waste levy which has impacted dozens of councils across South Australia.
While a move toward the ban is yet to be formally made, CAS member Sophie Henke believes the community would adopt the changes.
“I think the Mount Gambier community and council are extremely concerned about the growing waste that we can no longer send off shores to other countries,” Ms Henke said.
“We have to now deal with this ourselves and it is becoming a huge challenge for the community and our councils.
“It is also becoming a huge challenge to find a sustainable solution.”
Ms Henke said the single-use plastic ban was a “step in the right direction”, adding CAS has played a role in encouraging environmentally sustainable practices since it was formed in 2008.
“We show the community simple and easy ways to keep plastics out of their homes,” Ms Henke said.
“In my own home we try and eliminate as much plastic as possible so our waste is almost empty when it gets picked up.
“Yet it is a challenge because there are still things that are wrapped in plastic but I believe if we go back to the older ways that was implemented before plastic then it will be much easier.”
Happy to hear the younger generation are vocal advocates for change, Ms Henke said it was important local youths “get on board”.
“Young people deserve a world that does not have all this pollution and the young children that are growing up now are missing out,” she said.
“They have a bigger challenge ahead of themselves but us older generation need to help with the challenge.”
The community group will holds its inaugural plastic waste management awards this year to celebrate the achievements of business, groups and individuals alike across the Limestone Coast.
Featuring three categories including plastic waste reduction and management innovation, education and achievements in reducing, reusing and recycling, entries are now being accepted.
Contact cas4sustainability@gmail.com for entry forms and more information.
