Helping Waste See Another Day

Published on 30 August 2021

A number of Victorian regional councils are encouraging residents to reduce their contribution to waste and buy items made from recycled materials.

The need to choose environmentally friendly products in order to reduce waste has become a heightened issue in recent times. Council areas in the Barwon South West region generated 760,000 tonnes of waste between 2013-2014, and 24% of this ending up in landfill.

The Buy Recycled campaign aims to inspire the community to reduce their contribution to waste and landfill by consciously choosing to purchase necessary products made from recycled materials. This concept is known as a circular economy, helping to minimise waste and the environmental impact of product consumption.

Several major municipalities within Barwon South West region are participating in the campaign, including the City of Greater Geelong, the Colac Otway Shire, the Surf Coast Shire, Moyne Shire Council, the Southern Grampians Shire Council, Corangamite Shire, Glenelg Shire Council and the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Councillor Jamie Vogels is Corangamite Shire Council representative on the Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group.

“We are fortunate to have so many wonderful businesses in our region that are committed to minimizing Waste helping build a brighter cleaner Victoria,” he said.

These businesses include WellNest a small business committed to looking after our environment by helping others switch out every day consumable items with ecofriendly alternatives, such as packaging free bulk food, household cleaning products, personal care items and even toilet paper.

“Our aim is to bring recycled products into the limelight and show the community how easy it is to swap out everyday items for a more environmentally-friendly option,” Cr Vogels said.

Reaching residents from Queenscliff all the way to Portland, the Buy Recycled campaign highlights products made from recyclable and sustainable materials as well as the businesses that stock or produce them. The campaign website’s interactive map highlights businesses near you that are committed to making a difference.

Any businesses within the region who stock or produce products made from ethical or sustainable materials are encouraged to list their business on the interactive map. If you wish to list your business, please contact Buy Recycled here.

To learn more about the Buy Recycled campaign, or follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram.