Our Litter Quitter project has been in Normanton and Karumba, helping local businesses adapt to the Queensland ban on single use plastics that came into force in September.
Food retailers and takeaway businesses can no longer supply single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls, cutlery, or expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.
Project officer Chelsea Smith and Diane Creasey, from Enviromart Australia met business owners, Carpentaria Shire Council, and visited Karumba State School and Gulf Christian College.
This was the second in a series of Litter Quitter events. As at the first meetings, in Mareeba and Georgetown, people told us they support reducing the use of plastics. Students at Gulf Christian College shared stories about finding a dugong with plastic filling its stomach, and a bird with a plastic ring from a drink bottle stuck around its beak.
These are sadly common stories of the impact plastic products have on our unique Gulf wildlife. We’re encouraged to find strong community support for reducing the damage and working towards a cleaner future.
There are good alternatives to single use plastic products, some more affordable than commonly used plastic products. They’re made from things like sugarcane and avocado seeds.
We’ll be holding more Litter Quitter events across the region. Contact us to register your interest.
This Litter Quitter project has received funding support from the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program.
Contact us for news of future litter quitter events.