Queensland's ban on single-use plastics has officially begun!
From the 1st of September, single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates and unenclosed bowls, as well as single-use takeaway containers and cups made from expanded polystyrene will be banned in the Sunshine State.
The ban will stop these items being supplied in Queensland, including items provided free with purchased meals or sold in packets as party supplies.
The ban is a huge win for our environment and particularly marine life who are all too often the innocent victims of marine plastic pollution. The Queensland Government is predicting the ban will help reduce single-use plastic pollution by 20% over the next two years.
For further information on the ban or for resources: https://bit.ly/3zCOIY5
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plasticfree #saynotoplastic #plasticpollutes #plastic #beachcleanup

Every little step counts. For those of us that live close to a plastic free shop like Manly Co-Op, Naked Foods, Scoop or The Source Bulk food, you can always check there first if they sell washing powder and you can bring your own reusable containers. However, imagine how many plastic scoops that would be saved if ALL washing powder companies made this switch. Besides that, most of us surely have a spoon at home if we need one for washing powder.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plasticfree #saynotoplastic #plastic #washingpowder

What some of the unusual items you have found on a beach clean up? The Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew have found a shark strangled to death by an elastic in Dee Why, a dinosaur suit in Freshwater, a bicycle in Curl Curl Lagoon and on a Mona Vale beach clean up we found ice crampons. What unusual items have you found on a beach?
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup #treasure

​What do you think, South Australia?
The SA Government says it's considering banning takeaway coffee cups in the future.
The state's single-use plastic ban has now been in place for 6 months, and Environment Minister David Speirs says more than 120 million plastic straws have been taken off the shelves in that time.
"If you add them all together they spread all the way from Adelaide to London," he said.
"What we're doing is making a really big difference for our environment, ensuring that getting rid of these superfluous items is quite easy."
He says next March more items will be banned including polystyrene containers, and plastic products that never fully decompose.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #coffee #keepcup #plasticfree #beachcleanup #trashtag #plastic #takeawaycoffee

An article about balloons and why biodegradable ones don't exist. To get a hold of your own copy of this article, check out the September issue of "The Tawny Frogmouth"
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #balloons #balloonsblow #turtlekiller #litter #rubbish #noballoons

Yes, the circular transformation is happening! An old vinyl floor can now be turned into a new one!
Recycling one square metre of vinyl floor instead of burning it, reduces emissions by roughly 10 kilos of carbon dioxide.
Tarkett, a flooring manufacturer with roots in Sweden and France, is one of many companies recognising the advantage – for both the climate and the economy – of recycling and reusing.
– Recycling is crucial to reaching the climate targets. But it's complex, says Tarkett's Nordic Sustainability Manager Dag Duberg. To claim that a product is fully recyclable means that both a collection system and recycling technique have to be in place.
: Tarkett
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #recycling #recycle #tarkett #Sweden #floor #flooring #repurpose

Upcycled and primed with gesso and painted with acrylic enamel paints.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #upcycled

So proud of Kobie and all the work he puts in to Northern Beaches Clean Up Crew - it's great to see this being acknowledged in this month's edition of "Peninsula Living". Thank you for the interview Stephanie.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup #plasticfree #ProtectWhatYouLove #loveManly #northernbeaches #terreyhills

Our regular beach clean ups are currently on hold, but there's nothing stopping you grabbing a bag and head out yourself or with a friend to pick up some litter. The planet (and we) will thank you for it
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup #litter #rubbish #trash

We're all aware of the impact single-use plastic is having on our oceans, but did you know that clothes release half a million tonnes of microfibres into the sea every year?
That's the equivalent of more than 50 billion plastic bottles – and these small plastic fibres have even been found sealed in Arctic ice.
It’s no secret that too many of the plastic products we use end up in the ocean. But you might not be aware of one major source of that pollution: our clothes.
Polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers — all of which are forms of plastic — are now about 60 percent of the material that makes up our clothes worldwide. Synthetic plastic fibers are cheap and extremely versatile, providing for stretch and breathability in athleisure, and warmth and sturdiness in winter clothes.
​These fibers contribute to ocean plastic pollution in a subtle but pervasive way: The fabrics they make — along with synthetic-natural blends — leach into the environment just by being washed. Estimates vary, but it’s possible that a single load of laundry could release hundreds of thousands of fibers from our clothes into the water supply.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plastic #plasticfree #clothes
Thank you: Anything Eco for this great information

Even though we cannot organise our monthly clean ups, we can still do our bits and clean up our local area. That is just what young Piper did today. Thank you for all your efforts Piper - you've prevented many animals from getting entangled, injured and poisoned. Love your work!
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup #rubbish #litter #notallheroeswearcapes #doyourbit

Yet, another reason to stay away from bottled water. The entire life cycle of bottled water uses fossil fuels, contributes to global warming, and causes pollution. Bottled water is about 3,000 percent more expensive than tap water. Bottled water generally is no cleaner, or safer, or healthier than tap water. In fact, the federal government requires far more rigorous and frequent safety testing and monitoring of municipal drinking water.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #recycling #plastic #saynotoplastic #plasticpollutes #plasticfree

Several tonnes of watermelons have been illegally dumped in several places in the city Jönköping in Sweden. Melons have been found in the forest and at recycling stations. The council will now collect all melons and they'll be used as fossil free fuel.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #melons #sweden #litter #rubbish #cleanup

Be like Gator!
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup

Can we please stop the stupid & environmentally damaging practice of releasing balloons?
They are an absolute killer of seabirds & other marine life such as sea turtles.
This weekend on Birds New Zealand beach patrol of Muriwai Beach, amongst the usual litter of fishing line & nylon rope, they collected the remains of two balloons. Many seabirds such as this unfortunate Fluttering Shearwater die when they become entangled in them or ingest them accidentally. If you are celebrating any festive occasion or the passing of someone you love; rather than littering, do something environmentally positive instead like planting a tree. Please stop the crazy practice of releasing balloons.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #balloons #balloonsblow #beachcleanup

Multiple Coles customers have complained about “frustrating” click and collect experiences, claiming some groceries are being “overloaded” into one bag while others only contain a single item.
With large parts of the country under stay-at-home orders, many shoppers are now opting to get their groceries via click and collect services or delivered. Some customers received bags with just item inside, such a piece of cheese or a bottle of milk. What's your experience with "Click and Collect"?
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plasticbags #waste #plastic #plasticfree #Coles #clickandcollect

​Dee Why lagoon has 300-500 microplastics per square metre. Anything over 250 microplastics per square metre is considered high.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plastic #DeeWhy #beachcleanup #trashtag

VOICE ABOVE WATER is the story of a 90-year-old Balinese fisherman who can no longer fish because of the amount of plastic pollution in the ocean, instead he collects trash in hopes of being able to fish again. The story is a glimpse into how one human is using his resources to make a difference and a reminder that if we all play our part we can accomplish something much greater than ourselves. Watch the movie for free by clicking on the link below. 
https://vimeo.com/495325925
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plastic #litter #rubbish #trash

Check out these legends - this is what they cleaned up in just under two hours. What a fantastic effort. "What you makes a DIFFERENCE, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." ~ Jane Goodall
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup #cleanup #commumity #cleanup #inspiration #bethechange

Australians throw out 2.7 million single-use or disposable coffee cups every single day. This adds up to 1 billion coffee cups thrown out every year. Many are in the bins on the Manly ferry. Come on, we can do better than this.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #loveManly #Manlyferry #coffee

Don't put your fruit and vegetables in plastic bags. Just leave them loose or upcycle an old t-shirt and make your own reusable produce bags. If you can, opt for items that are package-free. Or, choose items packaged in cardboard or tin instead of soft plastic.
Think about plastic items you frequently buy and whether there is a way to avoid these. If you’re a fan of carbonated water, instead of purchasing it in single-use plastic bottles, consider getting a carbonator. It’s an investment but it will save you money in the long run.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plasticfree

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has ~ Margaret Mead
Pic from earlier this year.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #beachcleanup

Inspect your bathroom:
No part of a plastic toothbrush is biodegradable, so try a bamboo toothbrush instead. The cotton bud is another big single-use plastic culprit in the bathroom. Again, the bamboo version is your friend.
Shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, handwash, toner, moisturiser... The list of plastic-packaged products goes on. But there are alternatives. Many of these products come in solid bars with minimal to no packaging. Instead of bodywash or handwash, use a bar of soap. Coconut oil can act as conditioner, moisturiser and makeup remover.
While you’re at it, switch to a recycled toilet paper that isn't packaged in plastic. Some brands deliver in bulk.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #plasticfree #saynotoplastic #plasticpollutes

This year's Olympic Medals are made from e-waste that the Japanese residents were encouraged to donate.
#northernbeachescleanupcrew #recycle #recycling #Olympics #olympics2021