Port Macquarie Foreshore Markets organiser Necia Waghorn says there has been strong support amongst patrons for banning single use plastic bags at the event.
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The move, Necia said is in line with changes which are also being made by the major shopping centres Coles and Woolworths from July 1.
She said the environmental initiative has been supported by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and MidCoast Waste Services.
Anna Osbourne won council’s Design a Bag Artwork competition. Anna’s winning black and white design of Tacking Point Lighthouse and a whale will feature on 4000 bags.
The bags will be launched at the Port Macquarie Foreshore markets in July, recognising the Plastic Free July movement, which has gained popularity over the past few years.
The program encourages people to search for alternatives to plastic, particularly single-use items, in their daily lives.
While single use of plastic bag will no longer be available, Necia said some stallholders will still use plastic containers and wrapping for produce.
She encourages patrons to bring along their own reusable bags to the markets.
“Going forward the movement for plastic free is only getting stronger,” she said.
“A lot of groups and organisations in Port Macquarie are doing a fantastic job by showing people simple ways of how they can cut down their use of plastics.”
Tanya who was a patron at the market said she wasn’t bothered by the change, as she already brings her own bags to carry goods home.
“I think it’s a great idea, the less plastic we have on our planet, the better,” she said.
“For those who are against the move, I think they need to look at the damage that plastic is doing to our environment and to the animals who live in the ocean.”
Another patron Mark said he hoped he would be able to remember to bring reusable bags.
“It’s only going to be an issue if I forget,” he said.
