13 July 2021
Media: Rotorua Weekender
Topic: Plastic Free July
Enquiry
Just getting in touch as I’m looking to do a story on it being Plastic-Free July and I know council has been putting tips and resources up on its Facebook page. Would it be possible to get a few comments from someone to the below couple of questions?
- -Why is it important for Rotorua be a part of the Plastic Free July movement? What sorts of issues/challenges are there around plastic use in the community?
- -What are a couple easy ways people can limit their use of plastic in their everyday lives?
- -Are there any other resources you would like to share/suggest people check out?
- -Is there anything you would like to add?
I was also wondering if you might have any local businesses in mind who are really environmentally friendly or taking part in Plastic Free July?
Response
From Rotorua Lakes Council’s Waste Services and Sustainability Manager, Prashant Praveen:
Re importance of Plastic Free July:
Plastic Free July is an international campaign that helps to raise awareness about the plastic waste that we create in our everyday lives, and how we can make small changes to our routines to easily reduce plastic waste and lessen our environmental footprint.
Re easy ways people can limit their use of plastic:
Being a conscious consumer is an important part of actively reducing your waste output. You can have the biggest impact on the amount of waste you generate at the time of purchase.
Avoid – Choose longer-lasting alternatives to plastic that can be used repeatedly (made of metal or glass), or that can break down more efficiently (such as wood, cotton, or paper).
Reduce – Use items more efficiently, or use fewer of them and choose products that generate less waste.
Reuse – Use an item repeatedly, or repurpose it to have a different function.
Recycle – Check that the item is recyclable before you purchase or use it and only buy recyclable plastics. In Rotorua, clean and dry plastics numbered 1,2 and 5 are recyclable through the kerbside collection service.
Here are a bunch of simple swaps:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/get-involved/what-you-can-do/category/next-steps/
To see the impact that the Plastic Free July campaign has on plastic use, click here:
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/about-us/#impact
Other comment:
Some types of clean plastic waste can be diverted from landfill through recycling, but this relies on having the correct recycling infrastructure available, and manufacturers who want to purchase the recycled plastic material.
While recycling can be an effective way to divert waste from landfill, it can’t be solely relied upon as not every plastic item is recyclable.
Re useful resources:
News item with recommendations here:
https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/news/news?item=id:2ekl5ajrd1cxbyh01zcd
Re local local businesses who are really environmentally friendly or taking part in Plastic Free July:
Shops that support zero waste in the Rotorua District are listed on this website:
http://therubbishtrip.co.nz/regional-shopping-guide/zero-waste-in-rotorua-district/