Rosebrook resident Genevieve Grant has warned that a “recycling tsunami is on its way” and is calling on the Moyne Shire to act.
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Ms Grant wrote to councillors in the wake of the recycling crisis that is gripping the nation as a change in China’s policy means it will no longer accept certain recyclable materials.
She wants Moyne Shire “to demand” its towns become plastic bag free and for businesses to reduce their use of single use cups, straws, bags and other items.
“There is a recycling tsunami on its way and the slow uptake of such simple actions that encourage people down an environmentally conscientious path is deplorable,” Ms Grant said.
“The apparent lack of initiative, forward thinking and movement here is fouling our minds, our bodies and our home.”
Ms Grant helped to introduce reusable shopping bags in Port Fairy eight years ago and said the shire should have eliminated plastic bags by now. “Why have council not taken up the baton with pride and courage and made the whole shire plastic bag free (and) put up signs at the shire boundaries so we can proclaim it proudly? Whole states have done this. Why not our shire?” she wrote.
Mayor Mick Wolfe said council could not introduce a bi-law that prevents traders to use plastic bags and some businesses, including Port Fairy IGA, provided reusable shopping bags to shoppers.
“We’re not about advising private businesses or controlling who can do what,” Cr Wolfe said. “If a private enterprise wants to participate in that program they’re more than welcome to and encouraged to.
“We deal with refuse. Our program and priority at the moment is trying to educate people about sorting and recycling. That’s our ambition across the whole shire. We’re looking at the big picture. Not little individual hot spots.”
He said council had environmental and waste initiatives in place including extra rubbish collections over Christmas, provided organic waste bins and biodegradable bags and were currently working on strategies to address the recycling crisis.