THE Douglas Shire could soon be leading the way in providing a plastic bag-free environment based on the overwhelming success of the Plastic Bag Free July Shopper Challenge.

And Plastic Free Douglas committee member Lisa Golding said today there are 45 businesses – from market stall holders to major tourist attractions – who are registered as plastic bag-free and promoting the campaign throughout July. Many are expected to continue beyond July.

“We also have 85 individuals who have signed up for our Shopper Challenge – to go disposable plastic bag free for the whole of July,” she said.

Plastic Free Douglas is an initiative of the Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Shire Sustainability Group, Low Isles Preservation Society, Tangaroa Blue, Cairns and Far North Environment Centre and The Bendigo Bank.

“As a committee we have asked retailers to become Plastic Free Douglas Ambassadors by committing to becoming or continuing to offer customers alternatives instead of disposable plastic bags.

“We are also asking businesses that can make this commitment to register with us and display their eco-cred by displaying the Keep Paradise Plastic Free emblem in their store,” said Ms Golding.

Some of the ambassadors include Pickled in Port; Calypso Reef Charters; Wildlife Habitat; Happy Herb Shop; With Sugar; Enjo and Whileaway Bookstore.

Claire Anderson, General Manager of the Wildlife Habitat, said she loves the program and wholly endorses it.

“Our visitors have an expectation that we will be environmentally friendly and we only provide recyclable paper bags,” she said.

“This initiative has also encouraged us to look at other alternatives and review our operation as a whole.”

Brooke Cuman, from the Happy Herb Shop, said her store only uses paper bags which is preferred.

Mayor Julia Leu said there is still time to register for Plastic Bag Free July and make a difference for the environment.

“Australians dispose of four billion plastic bags a year, which is detrimental to birds, marine animals, our ecosystems, as well as human health and the economy,” she said.

Last month, more than 100 people attended the launch of Plastic Bag Free July at The Clink Theatre, which included the mayor and all four members of council.

“I am both encouraged and moved by this incredible turnout and this says a lot for what this Shire is all about,” Mayor Leu said at the launch.

“This is an outstanding cause and although there is a long road ahead and lots of work needs to be done, the more businesses who adopt a plastic free policy will encourage others to follow. If we all work together, we will be able to achieve a lot more,” she said.

Only four states – South Australia, the Northern Territory, Tasmania and the ACT – are plastic bag free and a major objective of the Plastic Free Douglas committee is to follow the aforementioned.

When the policy was introduced in Adelaide, for example, it was immediately endorsed and without any fuss.

To register, go to ceounit@douglas.qld.gov.au