The City of Victoria Park became one of the first local councils to implement a ban on single-use plastics at all community events when it brought in new waste measures at the end of last year.

Deputy mayor Bronwyn Iyf says the past eight months has taught the community a lot as they strive to continue with the movement.

“It is a constant learning journey but is one that the town is committed to,” she says.

The executive director of Plastic Free July Rebecca Prince-Ruiz commends the efforts of Victoria Park and other communities switching to a plastic-free approach.

“Local governments across the country have shown real leadership in taking action in tackling some of our plastic pollution issues,” Ms Prince-Ruiz says.

“We need to understand the real cost of us as a society using single-use plastic – particularly more and more for takeaway items.”

Ms Prince-Ruiz suggests a gradual process with minor steps instead of drastic changes.

“The biggest difference [a person can make] is rather than swapping from single-use plastics to more sustainable materials, is actually to just start to reduce our waste,” she says.

Deputy Mayor Bronwyn Iyf says she’s seen a lot of community support and the council is rewarding those businesses taking part in the movement.

“Following the launch of the Plastic Free Places business program, the response has been really positive, with eight cafés already participating. We’re aiming for 20 and are confident that this target will be reached,” Ms Iyf says.

“Plastic-Free Champions are businesses that have eliminated all key plastic items – straws, coffee cups and lids, takeaway containers, etc. – from their operations.”

The Victoria Park council will continue its plastic free movement until the programme is re-evaluated in February, 2021.