Towards a plastic bag-free community

The Bouddi Peninsula could become plastic bag free if with discussions with Gosford Council come to fruition.

The initiative came from a community forum held at a "Going Green" market weekend held at Hardy's Bay over the Queens Birthday weekend.

"Commercial waste systems for organic waste and recyclable glass bottles is another area mentioned, where we can reduce landfill and hence reduce dangerous greenhouse gases," said organiser Ms Anna McCall.

"Again this will be followed up with council."

Long-term alternative renewable energy projects were suggested in public spaces.

Signage recognizing the efforts of our "Greener Community" would be "an important means of showcasing what we have achieved".

Ms McCall said: "We will be looking into providing metrics, displayed in public on the improvements made within our community."

She said organisers hoped to distribute a "greencard" produced for the purpose of the market weekend which provides people with a list of websites providing information on how they can make some changes in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Hardys Bay "It's Easy Going Green" market weekend went ahead on June 9 and 10 despite the "severe storm".

Ms McCall said the "extreme weather conditions" were another example of why people should act now against climate change.

"Although some exhibitors were unable to make the event, we did have on display an array of organic fruit and veg thanks to Gabby of Jasmine Greens, Solar hot water displays, solar PV information, worm farms, bokashi compost buckets, ethical investments, solar passive design, eco friendly fire places, native plants and electric bikes," Ms McCall said.

"The Honda hybrid was also on display Sunday morning."

Ms McCall congratulated Maree Duffy for winning the Hardys Bay Pamper Package in recognition of her "fantastic efforts" in educating children on environmental issues such as waste, energy and water conservation.

Geoff and Fran Brew won the "Coasts Coolest" with their sustainable house in the Yarramalong valley and Lyn Kent of Daleys Point won a water tank, donated by Gosford Council, by making a pledge to take three actions to reduce her greenhouse gas emissions.

"To wrap up the event, we held a community forum looking at what we can do on the Killcare/Wagstaffe Peninsula with the hope of becoming a greener community," Ms McCall said.

"Some great ideas were put forward and we will be looking to action these over the coming months and years."

Press release, 1 Jul 2007 Anna McCall, Hardys Bay