Plastic Free July 2026
Make your plastic-free pledge:
This July, I will…
July is the global moment millions of people choose to refuse single-use plastic - and this year, BES is inviting Ballina Shire locals to join them. It doesn't have to be perfect. Even one swap makes a difference.
Plastic is choking our rivers, beaches, and wildlife
Single-use plastics don't disappear - they break down into microplastics that end up in the Richmond River, on Ballina's beaches, and in the bodies of local wildlife. Every year, millions of pieces of plastic enter Australia's waterways, and much of it starts with everyday choices at the coffee shop, supermarket, and kitchen bench.
Plastic Free July is a global movement with a simple idea: try refusing single-use plastic for one month and see what sticks. You don't have to go zero-waste overnight. Pick one or two swaps and start there.
Stuck for ideas? Try one of these
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Skip single-use coffee cups and bottled water. A reusable cup and a water bottle mean you're never caught out — and most Ballina cafés are happy to fill them up.
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Keep a tote in the car and a few in your bag. For produce, skip the thin plastic bags — most fruit and veg is fine loose, or use a mesh bag.
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Buy unwrapped fruit and veg where you can. Swap cling wrap for beeswax wraps, and use a reusable container for leftovers instead of plastic bags.
Ready to make your pledge?
Sign up below and we'll send you a simple Plastic Free July guide with local tips, Ballina swap spots, and support along the way. You'll also be joining a community of locals who care about protecting our beautiful natural environment.
Become The Voice For The Future
The Ballina Environment Society is an independent, non-partisan organisation, recognised and respected by all levels of government for its informed and constructive advocacy. Our success has always come from community collaboration — people like you who care about the future of Ballina’s natural and built environment.
Whether you can contribute your skills, time, or ideas, your participation helps shape a greener, safer, and more sustainable Shire for future generations.
