Workshops & talks

What you can do

Host events to engage the local community and empower them to refuse single-use plastics.

How you can do it

Planning a plastic free workshop, talk, or event may seem overwhelming from the outset, but it really doesn’t have to be. Starting small is a great way to introduce the idea to the community and learn what works before you hit the ground running.

To make sure your first event is a success, gather a team of like-minded volunteers to help you out. You can also find local community members who are tackling the plastic pollution problem, and invite them to talk about their work. These stories can be very inspiring and positive, especially if they present empowering ideas that participants can adopt to be part of the solution.

It’s important to consider what’s going to be most useful for your community. For example, in areas without plastic bag bans, reusable bag making workshops have had widespread impact in many communities.

Whatever type of event you run, remember to highlight the benefits of plastic free living, and keep it positive and solutions-focussed. It’s also essential that you walk the talk, and make sure that the events you run are plastic free.

The workshops and talks you run can empower people with the tools they need to talk to their friends, family and colleagues about plastic free solutions. This will spread the message even further, and continue to have a multiplier effect.

Taking the next steps

After running a few small events, you should have more of an idea of what works well within your community. People will now be more open to the idea of plastic free living, and willing to attend more in-depth workshops or start up projects of their own.

You can share ideas on how people can make their own soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and a whole host of other plastic free alternatives.

Cooking workshops are also great, as they can empower people with the skills to cook using ingredients that aren’t packaged in plastic (home made cakes, bread and meals don’t come plastic wrapped!).

The Impact

• Empowering people with the skills to reduce plastic in their daily lives will assist them to implement practices at home. They’re more likely to encourage friends, family members, and colleagues to get on board, meaning your impact is multiplied.
• Prioritising plastic free events also demonstrates the local government’s values, which can generate further positivity within the community.