Single-use plastics? There’s a grant for that!

Published on 06 April 2021

Single-use plastics are a massive problem globally and right here on the Mornington Peninsula. Plastic litter doesn’t belong on our beaches, in our bays or creeks, yet we see it everywhere we go. 
 
As a coastal community, the protection of our bays, creeks and ocean is integral to ensuring our wildlife thrive and supporting the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
 
Change starts with us! Often, we opt for single-use plastics out of habit, even though we know how bad they are. We are changing that. As an organisation, we are phasing out the use of single-use plastics in our offices, halls, sporting facilities, events and on Shire managed land.
 
And now we’re helping community groups and sporting clubs phase out their use of plastics with our innovative single-use plastics grant.
 
Apply for a grant to help your group or club say NO to plastics. Use the single-use plastics guidelines to select your key items and create your action plan. This could involve purchasing reusable bottles, crockery and other items.
 
Grants range from $1,000 – $5,000 and money must be used for activities aligned with the Single-use Plastics Policy. Up to $50,000 is available. To be eligible your organisation must be based at a public facility, building or space.
 
Applications open 19 April and close 25 June.  
 
To apply for the grant and learn about the eligibility criteria, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants

Quote attributable to Mayor Councillor Despi O’Connor:

“Mornington Peninsula Shire has committed to sending zero waste to landfill by 2030. Part of this vision is to phase out problematic single-use plastics. By working together, we can make a huge impact on the consumption of single-use plastics. Every action counts!
 
“Elimination doesn’t have to be hard. Start small and work your way through the list in our handy guide to help make plastic free choices, one type of plastic at a time.
 
“There are better alternatives to commonly used single-use plastic items, including a bamboo cutlery, reusable coffee cups and drink bottles, paper straws (or no straw!) and BYO takeaway containers.”