Related story: A boomerang shopping bag
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In keeping with its Tidy Town reputation, the Gloucester community, in partnership with MidCoast Council and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is excited to launch a local Boomerang Bags initiative on Tuesday, June 6 at the Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre.
With over 150 groups already formed in Australia, Boomerang Bags is a nation-wide initiative that works to reduce the use of plastic bags by engaging local communities to make ‘Boomerang Bags’ out of recycled materials and encourage people to simply borrow and bring them back. Following the launch of this environmentally friendly initiative, Boomerang Bags will be available for use in Gloucester outlets and the local group has a target to make 2,500 by the end of the year.
Kicking off at 5pm and running through to 8pm, the event will start with a special screening of the documentary, ‘A Plastic Ocean’, which Sir David Attenborough dubbed ‘One of the most important films of our time’. This will be followed by the official launch of Boomerang Bags, Gloucester where you can expect guest speakers, drinks and nibbles.
MidCoast Council’s team leader of Waste Operations and Sustainability, Tania Parkinson, encourages locals to come along and find out more.
“This free event coincides with World Environment Day and we invite everyone to come along, celebrate this fantastic community initiative and find out how you can do your bit to rid our environment of plastic bags,” Tania said.
While a small, yet dedicated bunch of locals have already been sewing up a storm, anyone is welcome to join the Gloucester Boomerang Bags’ crew as they meet for sewing bees every second and third Friday of the month at the Gloucester School of Arts building.
This initiative has been made possible thanks to the support of MidCoast Council, funding from the NSW EPA Better Waste and Recycling Fund, along with help from local sponsors including Webbs Real Estate, The Majestic Family Store, Bernie and Eric’s Craft Nook and the Anglican Church Op Shop.
To join the movement, simply contact Peta Tynan from Boomerang Bags on 0427 200 575 or Tania Parkinson from MidCoast Council on 6538 5250. For more information, visit http://boomerangbags.org or to see what the local group has been up to, check out their Facebook page ‘Boomerang Bags Gloucester’.