Hawkesbury City Council asks residents to join the Plastic Free July movement

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution - so we can have cleaner streets, parks, waterways and oceans, and beautiful communities.

Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Barry Calvert, said the movement had inspired over 250 million participants in 177 countries.

"If we all make a small change, then we will collectively make a huge positive difference to our environment," the Mayor said.

"You can choose to refuse single-use plastics in July, and even keep up the new habit by using great alternatives to plastic.

"Many Hawkesbury residents are already using great alternatives, like locally made Boomerangs bags, and it's great to see more and more locals getting on board."

Are you ready to take the Plastic Free July challenge? If you are starting out, there are some simple tips you can use, like avoiding the top-four single use plastics in our community: takeaway coffee cups, plastic shopping bags, plastic straws, and plastic water bottles.

If you want to go further, try eradicating plastic wrap in your kitchen and using washable containers or wax waps instead.

Commit to the challenge by registering at www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge. FOr inspiration, watch the Plastic Free July promotional video at https://youtu.be/V0PC8Mn4yNQ.

You can commit to the challenge for a day, a week or the rest of the month, and you can select which single-use plastic items you are going to eradicate during your chosen timeframe. You can also subscribe to weekly newsletters to help you stay motivated during the challenge.

Hawkesbury City Council is also holding two Plastic Free July online workshops this month: Plastic Free Living on Wednesday, July 8 from midday to 1:30pm; and Household Uses of Beeswax on Wednesday, July 29 from 6:30pm to 8pm. Register for the free workshops at www.eventbrite.com.au/o/hawkesbury-war-on-waste-30429705246.