This source reduction plan was designed by participants in Albany during a workshop funded through Keep Australia Beautiful Council WA Litter Prevention Grants. The goal of the source reduction plan is to reduce the amount of plastic drinks bottles in the environment at Princess Royal Harbour. The plastic drinks bottles are discarded by beach users, boaters and visitors; they fall out of vehicles and yachts. It is important for the community to tackle this issue because the ecosystem is impacted as the plastic breaks up, the toxins are accumulated in the food chain, the aesthetic quality of the area is compromised, the cost to clean-up is great and the impact of setting a good example is powerful.
The source reduction plan involves providing recycle bin options and promoting alternatives, for example re-usable bottles. The local sailing club, South West Progress Association, Birdlife Albany and the tourist accommodation providers and attractions will be approached to support the source reduction plan. It is envisaged that they will be able to promote the re-usable bottles and educate visitors. The success of this source reduction plan will be measured during the 2015 WA Beach Clean-up event.
