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"‘Kulcha Shift’ to a plastic free city

Warrnambool is one step closer to becoming a plastic free city.

Timor Street retailer and youth enterprise ‘Kulcha Shift’ is the first business to sign up to Warrnambool City Council’s ‘Live Plastic Free’ campaign.

Launched earlier this month, the program encourages Warrnambool businesses to offer environmentally-friendly bags or charge a levy for single-use plastic bags.

Store manager Lyn Eales said the ‘Kulcha Shift’ team was excited to lead the way in changing the attitudes of today’s ‘throw-away society’.

She said small business could make a big difference to the practices of supermarket chains and other retail giants by joining the ‘Live Plastic Free’ campaign.

“This is something every business in Warrnambool should embrace,” she said.
“If it’s common practice everywhere in the city not to offer plastic bags, shoppers will remember to bring reusable bags and it will encourage the bigger businesses to change their ways.”

Council staff have begun visiting stores throughout the city to promote the ‘Live Plastic Free Campaign’.

All businesses to sign up will be recognised in a ‘Live Plastic Free’ business directory on Warrnambool City Council’s website.
They will also receive a free welcome pack including bumper stickers, a counter sign and window display promoting their plastic bag-free status as well as a ‘Live Plastic Free’ bamboo shopping bag, available from Warrnambool Civic Centre for $2.50.

Council’s environmental planner Ian Fitzgibbon said the packs also contained information about the benefits of being a plastic bag-free business and tips on achieving a hassle-free transition.

“Tourism provides an estimated $200-million in income for this region each year and most visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty of our rivers, beaches, walking trails and of course the whale nursery,” he said.
“This campaign will help ensure these valuable assets are protected from the pollution of unsightly and hazardous plastic bags and help reduce the city’s greenhouse gas footprint.”

Mr Fitzgibbon said businesses could register online at www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au by clicking on the link to ‘Live Plastic Free’ under the My Environment tab, by email to ifitzgibbon@warrnambool.vic.gov.au or phone 5559 4876.