Central Coast Council is looking to replicate the success of last year’s reusable produce bag initiative and is once again looking to partner with local fruit and vegetable suppliers to help ‘Keep the Coast Clean’.

Council Unit Manager Learning and Education, Beth Burgess said the initiative received an incredibly positive response from suppliers and customers alike.

“In Australia, 150 million plastic bags end up as litter each year, half of which were used just once,” Mrs Burgess said.

“This campaign highlights our commitment to help reduce single use litter by providing an item of value that can be reused over and over again, rather than something that is disposable.

“Many suppliers provided incredible feedback that the bags were all distributed within 48 hours and have since had customers use them time and time again, which is fantastic!”

“Each time you remember your reusable produce bags when shopping you are becoming part of the solution to protect our environment from litter and plastic pollution and keep the coast clean.

“I would strongly encourage any local fruit and vegetable businesses that want to become part of the solution to prevent plastic pollution to get on board.”

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the popularity of the produce bags showed the community is keen to embrace sustainable initiatives.

“Choosing reusable produce bags, being careful with our recycling, selecting sustainable products – these are all actions we can take to keep the Coast beautiful and clean,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council is right behind our community’s efforts to reduce waste going to landfill and plastics into our oceans and will do everything we can to support it.”

The initiative forms part of Council’s commitment to the Don’t be a Tosser! campaign, which continues to remind residents and visitors to dispose of waste responsibly.

Expressions of Interest from interested providers to are required to be submitted by Sunday 14 April. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/producebags for details.

ENDS