Cotton buds, balloons that fly: Government extends plastic bans
Queensland Government extends ban on single-use plastic products
Local environmental groups have welcomed an extension of the ban on single-use plastics by the Queensland Government even though many businesses in the Douglas Shire are way ahead of the eight ball in reducing their plastic consumption.
By September 2023 the mass release of balloons, plastic-stemmed cotton buds, peanut-shaped polystyrene packing and microbeads will be banned as part of the five-year plan released by the Queensland Government last week.
Many businesses are leading the way
It was on a rainy grey day as a young girl walked along the marina holding a bright red balloon that floated in the air.
While this was a beautiful vision of colour in a bleak world, a niggling concern remained for Maryanne The Legend, a children’s entertainer in Cairns and Port Douglas about the potential environmental impact of the balloon.
“Wildlife can be seriously harmed or killed by balloons and their attachments,” according to the Environmental Planning Authority, Victoria.
For the Great Barrier Reef, the release of multiple balloons is a marine nightmare. Fish will confuse the bright floating-coloured objects with food, and while balloons are made of biodegradable latex, long-lasting plastics are often added to the product.
Children’s parties were once a haven for single-use plastic products, lolly bags, balloons, straws, and plates.
After cleaning up garbage bags filled with litter Maryanne began to reassess. It was time to act, and she wasn’t alone. “The Party organisers in the area live by the reef and see how plastics have affected the environment.”
Without prompting she began changing her practices. Out came the paper straws, lolly bags, plates and multiple-use cups, all to reduce the waste generated.
Balloons will still be an enormous part of children's entertainment. "We simply ask consumers to ensure that products are sourced from reliable providers. For example, at my shop balloons are inflated with air or we use refillable helium tanks”.
“Many businesses in the Douglas Shire already have the mindset of plastic reduction,” said Helen Reilly, Plastic Free Cairns & Douglas, a program established to encourage businesses to go beyond the ban.
“I’ve worked with the Yacht Club, a business that’s passionate about being on the water. They see the damage of rubbish on the reef every day and have looked at how they can change their practices including adopting reusable, versatile products to reduce waste”.
What’s next:
While the Queensland Government’s bans have been welcomed, the South Australian Government has taken a significant step in amending legislation to reduce the reliance on single-use containers.
No longer will food outlets in that state be liable for problems in relation to reusable containers supplied by consumers.
That will be on the agenda no doubt in 2024 when the Queensland Government has listed in its 5-year plan that single-use takeaway containers will be discussed. That’s all part of the work that needs to be done.
For more information:
Plastic Free Cairns and Port Douglas https://www.plasticfreecairns.org/douglas
Maryanne the Legend and member of PEBA https://www.thefacepaintersandbodyartists.com/http