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The Coromandel ‘Bring Your Bag (BYB)’ groups
are not alone in trying to
change plastic use on the peninsula. While some communities take aim at
banning plastic straws or disposable coffee cups, this Tairua group has its sights
set on the reduction of single-use plastic bags.
Small groups of “bag ladies” (and men and students), are busy making shopping
bags. They meet regularly in Tairua, Coromandel Town, Whitianga, Whiritoa,
Waihi Beach and Thames. Some come under the umbrella of Boomerang Bags,
an Australian-led movement which has nearly 500 groups working worldwide.
Vicki Murray from
Plastics Free Tairua
(see their FB page) notes, “There’s
been a real bonding with these groups as they work through bag designs, fabric
sources, quality control issues, life stories and the environmental learning curve.
This offers a sense of community and positive action toward a brighter future. It’s
encouraging to hear of other small and large initiatives starting both locally and
worldwide, however we really need more people to keep the momentum going,
especially with reminding the decision makers at all levels of government.” Look
for a group near you and see how you can help. And don’t forget to BYB!
Tairua School students Anna Wood and Shae ‘the shark”
Tee raised awareness of plastic pollution as part of
Samantha Telfar’s Marine biology Tai-tech elective, on
Tairua’s Plastic Free Day in June. Anna’s outfit represents
the number of plastic bags used per person per year.
Right: Tairua School
students volunteer to sew
fabric bags as part of their
Marine Biology Tai-tech
elective. Foreground, Anna
Wood is shown how to use
the sewing machine.
Tairua
students
moved to
action
available for gold
coin donation
fare
LIVE SPORTS COVERAGE
TAB
•
POKIES
•
DARTS
•
POOL TABLES
LIVE MUSIC ON LONG WEEKENDS
Great Value
Evening Meal Deals
Mon-Fri
$10 Lunch Specials
Mon-Fri & Sun
Arvo Happy Hours
TAIRUA’S BAG BRIGADE
WHO’S THIS STANDING WITH THE ROYAL
COUPLE AND PRINCE CHARLES?
Why, it’s Kay van Lubeck – looking smashing at a local Royal Wedding
celebration. We note that Charles has his hand resting comfortably
on Kay’s shoulder and conclude that the ‘old boy’ must have shed his
declared pre-wedding jitters. Kay is clearly hoping to calm her jitters at
meeting the royals, with whatever tipple she has in her glass!
“We were asked to dress up as if we were guests at the real wedding!!”
Kay shares. “It was at a friend’s beautiful home overlooking Hot Water
Beach. We drank champagne and were served beautiful food prepared
by talented local chef Nick Roberts, who also owns Sand Shifters. He
was asked to cater for the party by my friends who had been using him
to transport them from Hot Water Beach to Tairua.”
Fashion note: The fur was from Milly’s on Main Street, and the hat was
from Tairua Troubadours wardrobe. And the cut-outs?... Courtesy of
the host.
WWW.COROMANDELLIFE.CO.NZ57
in TAIRUA