Single-use plastics are a massive problem globally – and the Mornington Peninsula is not immune. Everywhere we go we see plastic straws, bottles, cups, and food containers. They’re on our beaches, in our bays and in our creeks.

Often, we opt for single-use plastics out of habit, even though we know how bad they are. However, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is changing that by phasing out their use in its offices, halls and sports centres, at council events and on council-managed land. And now it’s helping community groups and sporting clubs phase out their use of plastics too with grants of $1000 to $5000.

“Mornington Peninsula Shire has committed to sending zero waste to landfill by 2030 (and) part of this vision is to phase out problematic single-use plastics,” said Mayor Despi O’Connor. “By working together, we can make a huge impact on the consumption of single-use plastics.

“Elimination doesn’t have to be hard,” Cr O’Connor said. “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 bamboo cutlery, reusable coffee cups and drink bottles, paper straws – or no straws – and BYO takeaway containers.”

Applications open on April 19 and close on June 25. To be eligible, your organisation must be based at a public building or space and the grant must be used for activities aligned with the council’s single-use plastics policy, such as buying reusable bottles, crockery, and other items. To apply and to learn about the eligibility criteria, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/grants