Horsham East Ladies Probus members received an insight into the world of recycling at their recent meeting.
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Four visitors, namely Noreen Alsop, Lois Cramer, Pauline Thomson and Liam Pfeiffer (home for the school holidays), joined members to hear guest speaker, La Vergne Lehmann speak about Plastic Free July.
La Vergne is acting executive officer of the Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group, which covers 12 councils from Bacchus Marsh through to the South Australian border.
A state government authority, the group also works with industry to reduce waste being sent to landfill and encourages more resourcefulness in the use of recycling of waste products.
La Vergne gave the example of Sweden and Denmark – two countries that send only one per cent of waste to landfill. She stressed the urgent need for Australia to reduce what it sends to landfill.
La Vergne agreed that recycling can be very vexing – particularly for plastic waste. At this stage, only rigid plastics can be placed in our recycle bins. Soft plastics are not suitable, however, in Horsham, both Coles and Woolworths accept soft plastic bags in recycle bins near their door entrances.
Members were shown shopping bags made from environmentally friendly materials.
La Vergne also provided some suggestions for lessening our plastic waste such as taking our own coffee cup (takeaway types cannot be recycled readily) and bringing our own water rather than buying water in bottles.
Also think seriously about carrying your own set of cutlery rather than using the takeaway plastic sets. Resources are so valuable.
Some companies are already making a major impact on recycling, for example, the Pratt family with their cardboard packaging.
It was interesting to learn that man-made fabrics are a real concern as their fibres are micro plastics. A program “Rethink your Recycling” is planned for the near future.
Five members will celebrate birthdays this month and are wished well.
Coming events
July 20: lunch at Natimuk Hotel.
August: Concert with Mark Shiel, at Wesley. Sunday, August 6, 3pm. Interested members, please purchase own tickets.
Next Meeting, Monday, August 7, Mannequin Parade with “Maria da Ros”, 9.45am for 10am start.
Ladies interested in joining our wonderful club are invited to come along and make themselves known to us. We meet on the first Monday of each month, except for January, and have enjoyable guest speakers, outings, and fellowship.