Plastic Free July Wrapped Up

Throughout July, community members, Dandenong Market, the Springvale Community Hub, and the Council's Sustainability and Waste teams collaborated to celebrate Plastic Free July.  

To encourage sustainable choices, such as opting for loose leaf tea over tea bags, displays were set up in front of Go Green, Council's electric van at Multicultural Place in Springvale and at Springvale Community Hub. Families enjoyed crafting origami boxes and paper chains from recycled paper, while sharing their own eco-friendly practices. Some of these were featured on the Plastic Free July pledge poster for other community members to see, including investing in a reusable bubble teacup, using a keep cup or refusing take away cutlery as they will carry their own. 

To reduce single-use plastics, Dandenong Market introduced a 'Borrow a Bag' scheme, allowing customers to borrow bags if they forget to bring their own. Many customers were happy to offload extra reusable bags to clear up space at home and support sustainable practices. While at the market on the two activation days Tuesday 2 July and Friday 5 July, it was heartwarming to see how many people loved this initiative and regularly remember to bring their own bags.   

On Tuesday 23 July, Roving Refills Frankston visited Dandenong Market and Harmony Square, offering eco-friendly, zero waste refills for kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and self-care supplies. The sunny day saw the community engaged in conversations and 25 customers used 57 containers to refill items, saving them from landfill. Among the 61 items sold, Eucalyptus castile soap was the most popular choice.