Plastic Free July 

What has the Town done? 

The Town is actively involved in supporting our community to choose to refuse single-use plastics.

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Below are some actions the Town has undertaken to reduce waste across the community:

1. Rollout of the Three Bin FOGO System to all residential properties. 

2. Adoption of a Sustainable Events Policy: In 2020, the Town established a Sustainable Events Policy, which outlined guidelines and requirements for reducing waste at events. This policy preceded the WA Plan for Plastic and set the foundation for the Town's waste reduction efforts.

3. Use of Reusable Utensils, Plates, and Cups: The Town partnered with GO2Cup, a reusable cup service, to provide reusable utensils, plates, cups, and other food service items to all vendors at the festival. By promoting the use of reusables, the Town significantly reduced the consumption of single-use plastics. In both 2021 and 2022, over 22,000 reusable items were used in place for single-use items. 

4. Water Refill Stations and Cups: To encourage festival-goers to bring their own water bottles, the Town installed water refill stations throughout the event area. Additionally, providing water cups from GO2CUP eliminating the need for single-use plastic water bottles.

5. Trained Bin Monitors: Bin stations were set up throughout the festival and trained bin monitors were present to guide attendees on correct waste separation. This initiative aimed to minimise contamination and maximise recovery of waste.

6. Continuous Improvement: Following the 2021 festival, the Town assessed the outcomes and made further improvements for the 2022 event. This included enhanced waste separation processes, improved education for bin monitors and vendors, and increased social media presence to raise awareness about waste minimisation.

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In 2022 the Town won the Inugral Waste Sorted Waste Free Events Award 

Through these measures, the Town of East Fremantle has successfully cut down on plastic waste at the George Street Festival in 2021 and 2022. The use of reusables, implementation of a sustainable events policy, ban on problematic items, and collaboration with stakeholders have all contributed to reducing the reliance on single-use plastics and promoting a more sustainable festival experience.

Together, we can all do our part to help end plastic waste and alleviate the recycling crisis, reduce landfill waste, and mitigate the effects of climate change. The Plastic Free July challenge provides resources and ideas to help participants (millions around the world) reduce single-use plastic waste every day at home, work, school, and in the community. 

What can I do as a business? 

Businesses play a crucial role in addressing the plastic waste problem and can make a significant impact by implementing sustainable practices. Here are some strategies and actions that businesses can take to reduce plastic waste:

1. Plastic-Free Packaging: Explore alternatives to single-use plastics in packaging materials. Replace plastic bags, straws, and cutlery with eco-friendly options such as paper, cardboard, or compostable materials. Encourage customers to bring their own reusable bags or containers. Register with WA Plastic Freewho provide free support to organisations stepping away from plastic packaging. 

2. Offer Refill Stations: Implement refill stations for common household products such as cleaning supplies, detergents, and personal care items. This allows customers to refill their own containers, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles.

3. Use Sustainable Materials: Choose sustainable and biodegradable materials for products and packaging whenever possible. Consider options like bamboo, glass, metal, or plant-based plastics as alternatives to traditional plastics.

4. Collaborate with Suppliers: Engage with suppliers to find plastic-free alternatives and encourage them to reduce excessive packaging. Request that products be shipped in bulk or with minimal packaging to reduce waste.

5. Educate Employees and Customers: Provide training and information sessions for employees to raise awareness about plastic pollution and sustainable practices. Engage customers through educational campaigns and initiatives, highlighting the benefits of reducing plastic waste.

6. Implement Recycling Programs: Set up recycling systems within the business premises to ensure proper disposal and recycling of plastic waste. Collaborate with local recycling facilities to ensure effective recycling of materials.

7. Support Local Initiatives: Partner with local environmental organizations or community groups that focus on plastic waste reduction. Participate in cleanup events or sponsor initiatives that promote a plastic-free lifestyle.

8. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Regularly assess and measure the effectiveness of plastic waste reduction efforts within the business. Identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies accordingly.

By adopting these practices and actively working towards reducing plastic waste, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Remember, every small step taken by businesses and individuals towards reducing plastic waste can have a significant positive impact on our planet and future generations.

Running a Waste-Free Party

Running a low waste partyis a commendable step toward reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Here are some tips to help you organise a low waste party:

1. Digital Invitations: Send out electronic invitations to reduce paper waste. Use email or social media platforms to invite your guests.

2. Minimal Decor: Opt for simple and reusable decorations instead of disposable ones. Use items like fabric banners, potted plants, or DIY decorations that can be reused for future events.

3. Reusable Tableware: Opt for reusable plates, glasses, and silverware instead of disposable ones. If necessary, choose compostable or biodegradable alternatives.The Town provides hirable party kits (plates, bowls and cups) for free. Contact admin@eastfremantle.wa.go.au for more information. 

4. Bulk Beverages: Serve drinks from large dispensers or pitchers to avoid single-use plastic bottles or cans. Encourage guests to bring their own reusable cups or provide reusable cups for them to use during the event.

5. Sustainable Snacks and Food: Choose locally sourced, organic, and seasonal foods to minimise environmental impacts. Avoid excessive packaging and opt for bulk snacks or homemade treats.

6. Waste Sorting Stations: Set up clearly labeled recycling and composting stations to make it easy for guests to dispose of waste properly. Clearly communicate the importance of sorting waste to minimize contamination. Collect beverage containers and return them to Containers for Change 

7. Party Favors: Offer low waste or reusable party favors instead of single-use items. Consider items like potted plants, small plants, or homemade goodies that guests can enjoy and reuse.

8. Donate or Compost Leftovers: If there are leftovers from the party, donate any excess food to local food banks or compost food waste in your FOGO bin to minimise waste sent to the landfill.

Remember, hosting a low waste party not only reduces environmental impact but also sets an example for others to follow. By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a festive celebration while being mindful of the planet.

How to get involved?

1. Register for the challenge. Participants receive weekly tips to help them to keep motivated, and enjoy stories from others around the world who are reducing plastic in their lives
2. Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz to find some popular ideas to reduce plastic waste
3. Download some posters and put them up at your  workplace, school or local businesses  
4. Get some free Plastic Free July resources for yourschool
5. Read inspiring stories of what others do

The Plastic Free July website is a great place to get inspiration and support, and to share your tips, ideas and experiences.