Sunday Territorian

Single-use plastics a market staple despite ban

- PHILLIPPA BUTT

PARAP Market stallholde­rs were yesterday still giving away plastic straws and containers, despite a singleuse plastics ban coming into place on January 1.

The ban by Darwin Council, means all throwaway plastics, including helium balloons, are not allowed at events on council grounds.

Stallholde­rs have a period of grace to allow them to use stock they had already bought.

Alana Robinson has used her own containers for months.

“When you see the amount of rubbish, especially at the markets in just one morning, it really hits home how much waste we’re creating,” Ms Robinson said.

“I’ve seen a couple of people bringing their own and over the months I have seen more and more people bringing containers.”

Ms Robinson was disappoint­ed Darwin Council had chosen not to enforce the new rule.

In December, the Council released a report, planning to provide education on reusable plastics rather than punish those who didn’t use them.

“There’s no signage or awareness about it,” Ms Robinson said.

Nightcliff Market will go single use plastic free today.

 ?? Picture: JUSTIN KENNEDY ?? Darwin local Alana Robinson has been bringing reusable containers to the markets
Picture: JUSTIN KENNEDY Darwin local Alana Robinson has been bringing reusable containers to the markets

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