Plastic Free July

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Plastic Free July is a global movement that supports communities to refuse single-use plastic every day.

It’s not about boycotting plastic altogether – it can be as simple as just choosing one item to avoid.

Taking the challenge will help you find great alternatives that can become new habits. It might seem like a small step, but when 140 million people take a step together, it gets noticed!


Plastic Free July in Hobsons Bay: Event program

Hobsons Bay City Council is taking the challenge, and running extra eco-friendly community events throughout July.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Sewing workshop for teens: Tuesday 30 June | 2.30pm - 5.30pm @ Altona Meadows

Teenagers are invited to learn how to creatively repurpose old fabrics in this hands-on workshop facilitated by the School of Sewing and Upcycling.

When: Tuesday 30 June 2026, 2.30pm - 5.30pm

Where: Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows, 3028

Cost: Free

Click here for more and information and to book.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Op-shop tour for teens: Wednesday 1 July | 8.30am - 4pm

Young people aged 12-17 years are invited to hop on the coach and enjoy a day trip to Geelong to explore a range of local op-shops!

When: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 8.30am - 4pm 

Where: Meet at Youth Services, Newport Community Hub

Cost: Free, but attendees are required to bring money for purchases and lunch (or money to buy lunch)

For more information and to register click here.

Learn to hand sew a face mask workshop | Multiple dates @ Altona Meadows

Expand your skills each month by learning a new craft at Altona Meadows Library. Featuring a tutorial and quick start project, learn everything you need to get started on your next creative idea!

This month, we’ll be demonstrating how to hand sew your own reusable face mask. Join us to watch the full process from start to finish, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions along the way.

When:

  • Monday 6 July 2026, 4pm - 5.30pm
  • Saturday 11 July 2026, 2pm - 3.30pm
  • Tuesday 14 July 2026, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows, 3028 

Cost: Free 

Please click here for more information and to book your spot.

Low-plastic eating: Thursday 2 July | 2pm - 3pm @ Online

Join us online to gain practical tips to help you shop, store and prepare food with less plastic.

What you'll learn:

  • Why reducing plastic in your food matters
  • How plastics and their chemicals can end up in your food
  • How to spot hidden plastics in packaging and cookware
  • Easy swaps that won’t cost more or take extra time
  • Simple prep tips to reduce plastic and keep food fresh

When: Thursday 2 July 2026, 2pm - 3pm 

Where: Online webinar 

Cost: Free 

For more information and to register click here

Plastic free periods: Tuesday 7 July | 7pm - 8pm @ Online

In this practical webinar, we'll explore the environmental impact of modern period products and introduce the growing range of reusable alternatives. With evidence-based insight, humour and lived experience, you'll learn how switching to plastic-free options can reduce waste while helping you reconnect with the intelligence of the menstrual cycle.

Participants will discover how plastic-free period products work, how to choose what suits their body and lifestyle, and why reclaiming period pride can be a powerful antidote to our throwaway culture.

Curious, sceptical or ready to make the switch? Come along and learn how to break the disposable cycle. Whether you have a period or just know someone who does, all are welcome!

When: Tuesday 7 July at, from 7pm - 8pm 

Where: Online webinar

Cost: Free

For more information and to register click here. 

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Future Council film, pizza and mural art 12-17 year olds: Wednesday 8 July | 5.30pm - 8.30pm @ Newport

Join us for a special screening of Future Council - a bold and hopeful film by Director Damon Gameau (2040, That Sugar Film). The film documents eight young people's wild journey across Europe to challenge powerful decision‑makers to listen and rethink practical ecological solutions to the climate crisis. This coming-of-age film reflects on the authentic power and wisdom of young change-makers to re-imagine a brighter, more sustainable world for everyone!

When: Wednesday 8 July 2026, 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Where: Newport Community Hub 11-13 Mason Street, Newport 3015, Program Room 2

Cost: Free

High school ages 12-17 only. Rated PG.

There will be pizza, popcorn and refreshments to share plus an invitation to co-create a Plastic Free July 'call to action' art mural. Bring your ideas, creativity and your friends - or meet new ones!

Register here

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Illustration and storytelling workshop for primary years: Thursday 9 July | 11am - 12pm @ Altona Meadows

Join artist and author Hua Li for a playful illustration and storytelling workshop inspired by her delightful visual cookbook Broccoli Picklebob.

Kids will turn everyday vegetables into imaginative characters, using simple drawing techniques to create their own quirky stories. The workshop sparks creativity while helping kids discover fun, planet‑friendly choices.

When: Thursday 9 July 2026, 11am - 12pm

Where: Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows, 3028 

Cost: Free

Click here for more information and to book.

Flags to bags sewing bee: Sat 18 July | 10am - 1pm @ Altona Meadows

Give old promotional banners a second life by transforming them into tote bags for local charities.

When: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10am - 1pm

Where: Altona Meadows Library and Learning Centre, 2 Newham Way, Altona Meadows, 3028 

Cost: Free

Please click here for more information and to book.

Board game and puzzle swap: Sat 18 July | 10am - 2pm @ Altona North

Do you have a board game or puzzle that you don't play anymore?

This Plastic Free July, come along to our game and puzzle swap. Whether you are looking for a family challenge, a classic card game or a cooperative puzzle, trade in your unwanted board games for something new (to you).

We ask that all games are in good condition and do not have any missing pieces.

No bookings required.

When: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10am - 2pm

Where: Altona North Library, corner Millers and McArthurs Roads, Altona North, 3025

Cost: Free

+ Get a free product refill!  Bring along an empty bottle so you can take home a FREE cleaning product refill from The Source Bulk Foods Williamstown!

Please click here for more information.

Make your own notepad: Tuesday 21 July | 10am - 12.30pm @ Altona

Create your own upcycled notebook!

Discover how everyday office waste can be transformed into something practical and meaningful in this hands-on workshop with circular economy social enterprise Green Collect.

When: Tuesday 21 July 2026 | 10.30am - 12.30pm **Come along from 10am to grab your cleaning product refill.

Where: Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona 3018

Cost: Free

+ Get a free product refill! Bring along an empty bottle so you can take home a FREE cleaning product refill from The Source Bulk Foods Williamstown!

Please click here for more information and to book. 

Free product refills: Saturday 18 July @ Altona North | Tuesday 21 July @ Altona

Bring along your empty container and fill up for free!

The Source Bulk Foods Williamstown are providing refills of multi-purpose cleaner and laundry detergent alongside two Plastic Free July events.

Board Game and Puzzle Swap

When: Saturday 18 July, 10am - 12pm

Where: Altona North Library

Make your own notepad

When: Tuesday 21 July, 10am - 11.30am

Where: Altona Library, 123 Queen Street, Altona 3018

*max volume per visitor of 800ml
 

Take the challenge

What single-use plastic will you choose to refuse this July? Take the challenge and browse through the official Plastic Free July website for ideas. 

Need some inspiration? 
There are so many ways you can reduce your reliance on plastic: 

  • Create a zero-waste shopping kit with reusable bags, jars or containers
  • BYO container to collect takeaway food
  • Take your own mug when you order a coffee instead of getting a disposable cup
  • Make snacks at home to avoid individually wrapped items
  • Ditch plastic food wrap in favour of beeswax wraps
  • Conduct a home waste audit to identify single-use plastic items you can cut down on

 

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Example: Bring your lunch in a reusable container and use natural fibre brushes for cleaning