Wangaratta Wholefoods owners Kacey and Jerry O’Callaghan are encouraging the local community to help reduce waste as part of Plastic Free July.
Plastic Free July is a global movement that has inspired more than 100 million participants in 190 countries to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.
Kacey said whether you want to reduce waste in the home, at school or in your business, there are small things you can do that add up to make a huge impact when everyone does their bit.
“You don’t have to make big changes all at once, just make a commitment to a plastic free swap for one or two things,” she said.
Kacey said there are two main reasons it is important for people to reduce the amount of plastic they are using, the environment and your health.
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“Loads of plastic is designed to be single-use and can take hundreds of years to break down, this leaches harmful chemicals into our ecosystem along the way,” she said.
“Obviously the pollution in our oceans and environment also has a detrimental effect on wildlife too.
“As plastic breaks down it doesn’t disappear, it fragments into tiny particles called microplastics which can be found in things we consume daily, like our drinking water, seafood and even salt.
“Evidence is now suggesting that these microplastics we are consuming regularly can accumulate in our organs causing inflammation and disrupting hormones.”
Kacey said there are practical ways people can reduce the amount of plastic they are using.
“Start small - use reusable shopping bags, a reusable stainless steel drink bottle and coffee cups, try using bulk food dispensers to restock your pantry items straight into glass jars or use paper bags,” she said.
“Use beeswax wraps or glass containers to store food in, instead of glad wrap.
“Refill your cleaning products or use cleaning products with biodegradable properties so there is no plastic waste.
“At Wholefoods, we support this way of shopping by offering plastic-free alternatives and bulk food and cleaning options for all your essentials.
“Plastic Free July isn’t about doing it all perfectly, it's about making a few mindful swaps.
“Every step towards reducing plastic will make a difference.
“ We’re proud to be part of a community that cares and we’re here to support anyone looking to take part, whether you’re just starting out or ready to go a bit further in your reducing plastic journey.”
For more information about Plastic Free July, visit https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/.
