By Derek Schlennstedt
Plastic Bag Free Dandenong Ranges are gearing up for their third annual sewathon to rid the Dandenong Ranges of plastic bags once and for all.
Since there first sewathon in October 2016, the group have created over 1000 boomerang bags which have been dispersed into local supermarkets.
Of course, they can’t make all the bags alone and are calling on passionate environmentally-minded residents to help in their efforts to create a plastic bag free region.
Sewathon organiser, Vicki Boyle said that although supermarkets have stopped the use of plastic bags, there was still work to be done.
“The event will be lots of people bringing their sewing machines and they will be making lots of boomerang bags to supply local businesses, and vegie pouches so people can get rid of those flimsy bags you use for vegies at the supermarket,” she said.
“It’s all very well to ban single-use plastic bags but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.”
“The bags the supermarket are offering are still made of plastic it’s just that you can re-use them for a lot longer.”
Ms Boyle said anyone was welcome to attend the sewathon and that there were activities for everyone, even those with no sewing experience.
“People can do the cutting out for the bags, and the little veggie pouches need to be threaded with a little wooden bead.”
“Anybody can come along; the more the merrier. It’s a very friendly environment and you really get a sense of achievement.”
The sewathon will take place from 10am-4pm on Sunday 5 August at The Skylark Room in Upwey. Those wanting to attend can contact Ms Boyle on 0437 465 642
