A unique community clean-up and clothes swapping event is coming to Newcastle this weekend, where locals can reconsider their relationship with waste and trade trash for treasure.
Seaside Scavenge is a Sydney-based not-for-profit organisation cleaning up coastal waterways since 2015 and educating communities about the value of rubbish as a resource.
In partnership with the City of Newcastle, Seaside Scavenge is bringing a free community clean up event to Dixon Park, Merewether, on February 12, featuring a day of environmental education, music and markets.
For every 10 pieces of litter collected, participants will be rewarded one Trash Token to use in a pop-up market of quality handpicked pre-loved clothes, books and toys.
The market stalls will be run by local eco change-makers, including Plastic Police, Planet Warrior Education, The Seabin Project, The Newy Share Shop, The RE Club and Trash Pixie Collective.
Event Coordinator Eleanor Pratten said the scavenge brought communities together and used fun and unique programs to inspire and educate.
“The scavenge is about encouraging communities to reconsider their relationship to waste,” Pratten said.
“By seeing how waste can be turned into a valuable resource, communities are introduced to circular economy principles and the importance of correct recycling habits.
Pratten said the event would portray circular economic principles in action through live demonstrations of DEFY Design‘s newest plastic recycling micro-factory.
Prizes donated by Newcastle businesses will be awarded to participants who collect the most litter and other categories like the most cigarette butts or the weirdest item found.
All litter collected by participants on the day is separated into landfill, recycling, cigarette butts, hard plastics, organics, and e-waste.
The waste is then submitted to the Australian Marine Debris Database and managed by the utility company Suez.
Along with the community clean up and clothes swapping activities, the event will feature live performances from Steel City Sue and music duo Cormac and Manuel.
Newcastle theatre company, Curious Legends will also make an appearance where participants can try their hands at roving puppet performances.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the event was a great way to help beautify and protect Newcastle’s coastline while highlighting the importance of recycling and correct waste disposal.
“Our coast and beaches are loved by locals and major drawcards for visitors, so it is important we do everything we can to protect their environmental health,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Events such as the Seaside Scavenge are a practical way for the community to make an impact while also reinforcing the importance of disposing of your rubbish correctly and promoting the benefits of reusing and recycling items rather than just sending them to landfill.”
The free event will be held at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Saturday, February 12, from 11 am to 3 pm – for more information or to register for the event, visit the Seaside Scavenge Eventbrite website.
Hayley McMahon