Fremantle swim event goes plastic free

The 2019 Fremantle Ports Swim Thru event held today (14th December) at the city's South Beach has joined the growing list of Fremantle events going single-use plastic free.

Fremantle Council adopted a Sustainable Events policy in November last year which excludes the provision, use, distribution or sale of single-use plastics including straws, cutlery, bottles, cups, plates, containers, bags and cling-wrap at all events produced by the City.

Although single-use plastics are not banned from third party events in Fremantle, the policy does encourage event organisers not to use them.

Fremantle Masters Swimming Club President Paul Clifton said the club was committed to reducing the amount of plastic waste in our oceans.

“Our members obviously spend a fair bit of time in the water, so it makes sense for us to play our part in reducing plastic waste and protecting our oceans.

“Swimmers at this year's event will no longer be given a single-use plastic bottle of water at the finish line.

“Instead, they’re being encouraged to bring their own bottles to fill up from a hydration trailer filled with UV filtered water and fitted with drinking bubblers.”

Participants have three distances to choose from – a 250 metre course for beginners, the 1600 metre classic course and the 3200 metre two-lap course for people looking for a challenge.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said it was very pleasing that event organisers were embracing the City’s sustainable events initiative.

“Some studies have predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, so we all need to make an effort to reduce our plastic waste wherever we can.

“It’s really great that the Fremantle Masters Swimming Club has decided to go single-use plastic free at the Swim Thru this weekend, and I encourage the organisers of other events to follow their example.”

Earlier this year the Coast restaurant at Port Beach went single-use plastic free at the Fish and Sips festival by purchasing 15,000 reusable polycarbonate and melamine cups to replace single-use plastic cups.

The Falls Festival to be held at Fremantle Oval in January will not supply single-use plastic water bottles on site, with patrons encouraged to bring a reusable bottle to refill at the supplied water stations.