A community initiative to tackle plastic pollution has arrived in Queenscliff.
Boomerang Bags encourages locals to donate unwanted material and to transform it, via sewing bees at the Neighbourhood House, into reusable shopping bags.
The program, already running in other communities, is among three local projects to share in $6,800 under the Queenscliffe Community Environment Association (CEA) grants program.
“Boomerang Bags is a grassroots, community driven movement aimed at shifting societies throw-away mentality to a more sustainable revolution of re-purposing and re-use,” said project spokesperson Jane Rodwell.
“We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to get together to help make re-usable bags. We need to enlist people who can help mark out and cut materials, pin, iron, stamp and sew.
“The bags will be given away to friends, family, colleagues, local retailers, bagless strangers and so on, as a plastic bag alternative that can be used and reused, or passed on to others,” Mrs Rodwell said.
The program coincides with Queenscliff IGA’s decision to scrap single use plastic bags from this month and ‘Plastic Free July’ – an initiative of the newly-created Transition Towns group.
“The circulation of reusable bags within the BOQ creates an opportunity to spread an important social and environmental message about sustainable solutions, and fostering conscious habits that extend well beyond the plastic bag,” said Mrs Rodwell.
The St Aloysius Primary secured funding under the CEA program to host a ‘Kid’s Teaching Kids’ conference in September. The one-day event will bring students from across Geelong to Queenscliff to teach each other about sustainability initiatives and environmental issues.
The Swan Bay Environment Association also gained funding to extend its Gardens for Wildlife program, providing residents with advice on improving the ecological value of their garden.
To donate fabric or participate in Boomerang Bag-making workshops email: qnhouse@fastmail.com or phone 5258 3367. All ages are welcome and no experience required.
Boomerang Bags encourages locals to donate unwanted material and to transform it, via sewing bees at the Neighbourhood House, into reusable shopping bags.
The program, already running in other communities, is among three local projects to share in $6,800 under the Queenscliffe Community Environment Association (CEA) grants program.
“Boomerang Bags is a grassroots, community driven movement aimed at shifting societies throw-away mentality to a more sustainable revolution of re-purposing and re-use,” said project spokesperson Jane Rodwell.
“We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to get together to help make re-usable bags. We need to enlist people who can help mark out and cut materials, pin, iron, stamp and sew.
“The bags will be given away to friends, family, colleagues, local retailers, bagless strangers and so on, as a plastic bag alternative that can be used and reused, or passed on to others,” Mrs Rodwell said.
The program coincides with Queenscliff IGA’s decision to scrap single use plastic bags from this month and ‘Plastic Free July’ – an initiative of the newly-created Transition Towns group.
“The circulation of reusable bags within the BOQ creates an opportunity to spread an important social and environmental message about sustainable solutions, and fostering conscious habits that extend well beyond the plastic bag,” said Mrs Rodwell.
The St Aloysius Primary secured funding under the CEA program to host a ‘Kid’s Teaching Kids’ conference in September. The one-day event will bring students from across Geelong to Queenscliff to teach each other about sustainability initiatives and environmental issues.
The Swan Bay Environment Association also gained funding to extend its Gardens for Wildlife program, providing residents with advice on improving the ecological value of their garden.
To donate fabric or participate in Boomerang Bag-making workshops email: qnhouse@fastmail.com or phone 5258 3367. All ages are welcome and no experience required.