Campaign to make plastic extinct

An international 'Plastic-free July' campaign starts this month that aims to raise awareness about the destructiveness of plastics and send plastics into extinction. The Marae Para Kore (zero waste) network has launched a competition with a $350 prize up for grabs for the marae of the winners' choice.

"Every day we drill, refine and turn oil into items of convenience we use just once then throw away. All that plastic can end up on our beaches, in our water ways, in the soil and in our food chain" says Para Kore waste advisor Emily Bailey. "By committing to go plastic-free for a month we can make it a long term habit that will stop tonnes of unnecessary waste being created and dumped. We need to close the loop and live waste free again."

The Para Kore 'Plastic-free July Challenge' is open to individuals, marae, organisations, businesses, offices and groups. The best effort wins the prize for the marae of their choice with prizes for runners up too.

"It's a great way to raise awareness and create a space where whānau, friends and workmates can take up this challenge together. We can support each other through what turns out to be quite a big lifestyle change, like reminding each other to take bags to the shops or saying no to straws and plastic coffee cup lids" says Bailey. "Plus it's a fun competition where we can win something for our community while helping out the planet."

Competitors are asked to collect their plastic waste during July and send in a photograph with a short story of their experience, by August 7. Winners will be announced soon after. You can sign up to the challenge via the 'Plastic Free July Aotearoa' Facebook event, via email totaranaki@parakore.maori.nz or over the phone on 021 037 6737.

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