The Ballina Environment Society (BES) is urging local community groups, environmental organisations, and businesses to endorse an open letter calling on Ballina Shire Council to eliminate single-use items from its operations, events, and facilities as a call to action for Plastic Free July.
The letter, addressed to Ballina Council’s General Manager, highlights the extensive environmental, economic, and health consequences of single-use plastics, which persist in local waterways and ecosystems and contribute to global pollution and climate change.
‘Plastic pollution is not just a litter problem—it’s a public health issue, a threat to biodiversity, and a financial burden on local councils,’ said BES spokesperson Claudia Caliari.
‘Ballina has an opportunity to lead by example and protect the Richmond River catchment while reducing long-term waste management costs.’
The hidden cost of single-use plastics
Scientific evidence underscores the profound impact of single-use plastics. Issues include:
- Chemical leaching – Common single-use plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can release hazardous chemicals, including bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, into soil and water. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals have been linked to reproductive issues in wildlife and humans alike.
- Plastic proliferation – Global plastic production has more than doubled since 2000, driven primarily by packaging and single-use items. These materials are often made of multilayered composites, making them nearly impossible to recycle effectively.
- Marine pollution – Australia contributes approximately 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste to the ocean annually – much of it from single-use packaging. These plastics not only entangle and kill marine animals but also degrade into microplastics, which have been detected in seafood and drinking water worldwide.
Growing production and a policy vacuum
The Ballina Environment Society says that despite widespread awareness of plastic pollution, global production of plastics — especially single-use items — continues to surge.
The OECD reports that global plastic production has more than doubled since 2000, with nearly half of all plastic waste coming from packaging, most of which is designed for single use.
This growth is driven by fossil fuel-based industries, with major petrochemical companies heavily investing in new plastic manufacturing facilities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, regulatory frameworks remain weak or fragmented across many jurisdictions.
A 2023 UNEP report highlights that current global governance of plastic pollution lacks binding commitments, enforcement mechanisms, or meaningful financial accountability for corporations profiting from plastic production while externalising the environmental and health costs to communities and ecosystems.
Local solutions already working
The Ballina RSL has taken commendable steps by removing single-use coffee cups and implementing a reusable cup swap system. This initiative demonstrates that sustainable change is both possible and practical at the local level.
‘The RSL’s leadership is proof that small, local actions can ripple outward,’ said Claudia Caliari.
‘We’re encouraging all community stakeholders to add their voice to this growing movement for systemic change.’
Data from neighbouring Byron Shire Council shows that banning single-use items has helped avoid over 165,000 disposable products and saved over one tonne of waste and 4,300 kg of CO₂ emissions annually.
The BES believes similar results could be achieved in Ballina, with other benefits including a direct reduction in waste costs, and avoiding plastic waste impacts on tourism, fisheries and infrastructure.
Surveys show strong local backing for change, with over 85 per cent of Northern Rivers residents and 80 per cent of Ballina residents supporting the use of reusable items at events and markets, according to Zero Waste Byron.
The BES invites local community organisations, sports clubs, businesses, and residents to join the call to action and encourage Ballina Shire Council to go plastic-free in July.
‘Together, we can transition away from throwaway culture and toward a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable future,’ said Claudia Caliari.
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