Reuse, renew and recycle
Alternatives to plastic wraps.
Community Participation - LP007-003
The issue
Granite Borders Landcare committee and staff were becoming increasingly worried about the level of social isolation evident in the community and exacerbated by the long running drought in the Tenterfield region. We wanted to build a program where Landcare could act as a conduit for bringing socially isolated people together in safe environments to learn new skills and foster hidden talents and build new friendships and social connections through these shared experiences. We also wanted to focus on women's only workshops as many women had openly admitted that they felt better learning new skills without men present.
The solution
Granite Borders Landcare received funding through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together program to host a series of workshops for women. One of the workshop focused on making bees wax food wraps coupled with making healthy lifestyle choices. This encompassed each participant making their own bees wax wrap which are a natural alternative to plastic wrap for food storage. The women enjoyed a fun day learning to make these food wraps which are a sustainable and reusable alternative to single use plastic. The workshop also engaged participants in thinking about making healthy lifestyle choices through adopting easy daily self care habits.
The impact
The funding from FRRR allowed our Landcare network to be able to reach out to connect with socially isolated women in our community. It also bought people together and many new friendships where formed. Women commented on how attending these workshop alone was not intimidating and they were very grateful to be given the opportunity to meet other people in similar circumstances. Overall, this workshop did build confidence and help empower women, but most of all it provided a space for women to come to feel nurtured, comfortable and learn new skills.
Key facts
- 42 people attended workshops to learn to make bees wax wraps
- New skills and increased knowledge about reducing the amount of plastic used in the kitchen
- Women building social connections