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Reef LOVERS will be given the opportunity to participate in a Bundaberg project that aims to reduce impact and save the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life, including the region’s precious sea turtles.
Following the success of the #LessIsMore campaign for the Great Barrier Reef last year, the Burnett Marine Local Advisory Committee (LMAC) has received funding to assist with the management of the project again.
Introduced by Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Bree Grima, he said it was great to be part of the campaign again with LMAC.
“With the ban on single-use plastics fast approaching in 2021, now is the perfect time for companies to investigate and consider sustainable alternatives,” said Grima.
“Everyone has a role to play in coral reef protection and the horticulture industry is working hard to ensure its operations are sustainable (and) this project is an opportunity for all businesses to contribute to a more coral reef. healthy “.
Nearly 500 teachers and students in Bundaberg attended beeswax seminars last year to get rid of the 38km of single-use cling film that poses a threat to our oceans every year.
Eleven local sports clubs, restaurants and bars also supported the campaign, removing nearly 18,000 plastic straws.
By spotting hot spots for cigarette butts in and around Bundaberg, students from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School also joined the crusade, creating signage to discourage littering and raise awareness.
“When we take a plastic straw, wrap sandwiches in cling film or even take a plastic water bottle, we don’t think about the long-term impacts this decision has, with those plastics that persist for hundreds of years in our environment.” , Burnett LMAC president Sue Sargent said.
“It’s time to break some of these habits and think about how we want the world to look in the future.”
Reef conservation, marine debris, climate change and other environmental threats will be at the heart of the next #LessIsMore campaign, with many activities that the community can participate in and ultimately make a difference for the reef.
Initiatives will include another beeswax wrap session, as well as monitoring cigarette hot spots and encouraging companies to adopt a butt can and locals to “ditch the movie.”
Ahead of the single-use plastic ban that will be implemented starting July next year, project volunteers will also distribute paper straws and collect plastic straws, which will be reused to build a park bench.
Designed to encourage the public to bring a reusable, eco-friendly water bottle, a portable charging station will also be purchased, with the option to rent through the municipality.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation CEO Anna Marsden said the grants bring the community together to establish strategies that will save the reef and its marine life.
“These grants provide practical, on-the-ground action, including everything from promoting sustainable fishing to improving stream habitats and reducing marine litter and debris entering reef watersheds,” said Ms. Marsden.
“These projects will add to the more than 60 coral reef rescue projects that the Foundation is currently carrying out with more than 65 partners.”
The #LessIsMore project will be funded by a partnership formed between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
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