2019 Resolutions – Help save the planet

Waste Minimization starts with each and every one of us. At least that is the mantra from Elli Webb, Waste Education Coordinator from Gympie Regional Council.

“The first question to ask everyone,” said Elli, “is ‘Where does your rubbish/waste come from?’ Answer: ‘the shops’.

“You purchase something and it comes wrapped in a package, we consume what is inside this package and then throw the package away.”

Elli had a year free of packaging, aiming to create zero waste. She only produced a handful of items after the year, in what was a steep learning curve.”

Elli is clear with how each and everyone of us can make a difference, “You buy your rubbish. Who puts it in your trolley? Answer: you do.”

She asks each of us to practise and ‘Be a smart shopper’.

“The first thing that I would advise anyone wanting to reduce their impact on the earth, look at what they throw away regularly. Do a waste audit on your bin.”

She says through the waste audit you will discover what is regularly thrown away.

Once the rubbish is identified at your house, try to purchase that rubbish/packaging in a different way re: recyclable packaging, reusable packaging, buy in bulk so that you do not have small items of rubbish which could become litter.

From experience, Elli says, “I strongly suggest that you change one thing at a time – re: no more small packets of chips – only large packets. No more poppers, only large bottle of juice decanted into reusable bottles.

“Habits take about one month to form – so get used to one small change at a time and then that change will become a habit and last forever.”

What are you waiting for? 2019 is here and ready for change.