Dungog Shire is making great inroads into becoming the first town in Australia to become single-use plastic free.
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"It's exciting to see more and more cafes and businesses coming on board for Single-Use Plastic Free Dungog (SUPFD)," said Michelle Dado-Millynn who is one of the champions of the movement.
The aim is for the Dungog community to be the first in Australia to be single use plastic free by July 2019.
This means saying "no" to single use plastics and choosing alternatives to plastic bags, plastic water bottles, takeaway cups, plastic straws, plastic cutlery, plastic takeaway containers and balloons.
Westwood Dungog Providores has found an alternative to its single use plastic bags - cornstarch bags which are plastic free and break down with organic waste into compost.
"I've certainly got an interest in reducing plastic," said butcher Dave Roberts.
"I've researched an alternative to disposable plastic bags as we can't just use paper in the store, as the mince for example just sticks to it.
"We can use these (new bags) with no worries, they have no effect on the meat and they are good for the environment."
Mr Roberts said the cost is 'minuscule' compared to single use bags.
He is looking to introduce the full range of the product for sale in store which includes bin liners and "doggie do" bags.
