Plastic Free July: Protecting Lake Illawarra Together

Plastic Free July is a global movement encouraging people to reduce single-use plastics. Around Lake Illawarra, it’s more relevant than ever. Our beautiful lake is not only a recreational haven but a vital ecosystem that deserves protection from plastic pollution.

Why it matters locally

Lake Illawarra is home to diverse wildlife and is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and family picnics. But litter, especially plastic, threatens its health and beauty. Every piece of waste that enters the lake effects water quality and endangers local marine life. The focus of this campaign is on items that are used once and then thrown out like plastic cutlery, yoghurt containers, plastic tooth pics, wrappers and so much more.

Both Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils, along with the NSW Government have developed the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program (2020–2030). The long-term plan focuses on steps to improve water quality, restore habitats, and engage the community in caring for the lake. Keeping litter and other plastic materials out of the lake (CMP, Strategy 1, WQ8), is an important part of its future.

Get involved: Rise & Shine Clean Ups at Lake Illawarra

One easy way to take part this Plastic Free July is by joining our Rise & Shine Clean Up event. Held every first Friday of the month around Lake Illawarra, these council-supported events bring the community together to tackle litter and make a visible difference.

July event: 4 July, Friday, 9 – 11am AEST at Windang Foreshore Park – sign up here.

All you need are sturdy shoes, gloves, and a sunhat. We’ll supply the rest!

Other Clean Up events in the Wollongong LGA

There are two additional Clean Up events being held during Plastic Free July that are in other areas of our LGA. If you live in the northern suburbs why not join the Clean Up teams at:

Community Clean Up - Bulli Beach, 11 July, Friday, 9am AEST | Sign up on Eventbrite
Community Clean Up - Blue Diver's Creek, Towradgi, 25 July, Friday, 9am AEST | Sign up on Eventbrite

Did you know? You can even plan your own events, together with your family, your community group or as a team building activity. We will provide you with the equipment and collect the litter after your event. Visit Rise & Shine | City of Wollongong to find out more.

Simple swaps you can make to avoid plastic

Want to do more but not sure how?  We put together ideas on how to make smaller and bigger steps towards less plastic waste:

Shopping:

• Bring your reusable bags, produce bags and containers
• Buy from bulk food stores and farmer markets
• Choose loose fruit and veg instead of pre-packed
• Try refilling your containers for cleaning products, shampoo, laundry detergents and more at bulk stores and low-waste businesses
• Consider bar soap, shampoo, bars and wooden toothbrushes

Food & drinks

• Carry a reusable water bottle and a coffee cup
• Take a zero-waste kit incl. container, reusable cutlery, cup, straw & napkin
• Pack snacks or lunch in beeswax wraps, metal tins or glass containers (old jars are a great option)
• Skip cling wrap and use containers, plates over bowls or reusable wraps instead

Outdoor birthday parties & BBQs

• Avoid balloons or glitter and choose eco-friendly decorations
• Host a plastic-free BBQ with friends and family
• Parents, please be mindful of your littles ones dropping small plastic pieces like lollipop sticks, chocolate wrappers, bread bag tags etc, they cause major harm to our wildlife. A quick clean up with fun music at the end of the party makes everyone happy.

In the community

• Pick up litter, every bit helps
• Consider hosting a clean-up event
• Encourage your local café, school etc to reduce plastic

Want to learn about even more changes you can make? Take the Pesky Plastics Quiz available on the Plastic Free July webpage and check out the Plastic Free Wollongong page for more information.