When Newcastle Anglican EcoCare member Ron Hacker purchases fruit and vegetables at a supermarket he refuses to have them weighed in a plastic bag.
It’s not that he’s trying to be difficult, but rather that the bag and the item’s plastic barcode sticker is unnecessary.
And, the retired agricultural scientist knows a thing or two about Australia’s ecology and the way in which plastic is currently destroying it.
Ron has 45 years’ experience in land management.
Despite his extensive knowledge of terms like ‘carbon sequencing’, ‘human induced regeneration’, and ‘equestrian carbon’, Ron says there are ways we can do our bit, even from the comfort of our own homes.
“It can be easy to get disheartened when it comes to environmental issues,” he says.
“It can feel overwhelming.
“But it’s about critical thinking, and removing plastic from our day-to-day lives is a good way to start.”
His words come on the eve of this year’s 2025 Plastic Free July.
The month-long campaign is a global event aimed at ridding the world of plastic waste.
Now in its eighth year, Plastic Free July has become one of the most popular environmental campaigns in the world, with millions participating every year.
The hope is that what starts with awareness and behaviour change in one month, can develop into an ongoing commitment to the elimination of a major source of global pollution.
Members of the Newcastle Anglican EcoCare group say Plastic Free July is a great place to start.
“It’s something to which all Anglicans should be committed through our Fifth Mark of Mission:’ To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” adds Ron.
“Although the challenges of pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation can sometimes feel overwhelming – too big for us as individuals to make a meaningful difference, being part of Plastic Free July allows us to be part of global movement with a measurable impact.”
What can I do to go Plastic Free in July:
Anglican EcoCare members and Plastic Free July have a few suggestions on how we can help reduce our plastic usage:
- Have your morning tea or coffee in pottery, china or steel cups, rather than disposable cups with plastic lids.
- If you grab a coffee on your way to work, leave home a few minutes earlier so you can sit in the cafe and use a reusable cup, or take your own cup with you.
- Take an extra bag with you when you go for a walk and pick up any plastic you find, especially near our ocean and waterways.
- Do a Bin audit at home and in your workplace. If plastic is not in the correct recycling bin it can be going to landfill.
- Buy snack items in bulk and save on unnecessary extra plastic wraps, take them to work or school in reusable containers.
- Refill reusable water bottles from the tap.
- Switch from plastic wrap to reusable containers or wax wraps.
- Remember to take your reusable bags to the supermarket or choose loose products to avoid using plastic bags.
In November 2024 the Plastic Free Foundation involved at least 174 million participants worldwide in over 190 countries, who reduced their waste and recycling by 16 kg per person per year. This meant an overall 3.8% less waste globally, reducing landfill waste by 1.7 million tonnes, and recyclable waste by 1.2 million tonnes – including reduced plastic consumption of 0.4 million tonnes.
