We, the undersigned, Support Freya 11-years-old and call upon The Hon Leanne Linard MP Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, and the Queensland Government to take immediate action by banning plastic straws on Tetra Drink Packs. It is imperative to combat growing plastic waste and protect our fragile ecosystems from irreversible damage.

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, causing devastating harm to our planet. Every year, an astonishing amount of metric tons of single-use plastic waste is generated globally, posing a significant threat to wildlife, oceans, ecosystems, and human health.

Plastic waste has severe environmental consequences, and its effects are far-reaching. Plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful toxins into the environment during this prolonged period. Marine animals, birds, and turtles mistake plastic straws for food, leading to severe injuries, entanglement, and death.

The production and use of plastic straws on Tetra Drink Packs contribute significantly to the plastic waste crisis. These straws, typically made from non-biodegradable materials such as polypropylene or polystyrene, persist indefinitely in the environment. As they accumulate in landfills, oceans, and natural habitats, they continue to pose an ongoing threat to wildlife and disrupt delicate ecosystems.

By banning plastic straws on Tetra Drink Packs, we can drastically reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste that enters our ecosystems. Instead, we should promote the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as paper or compostable straws, which have a minimal impact on the environment.

We, the signatories of this petition, urge Minister Linard and The Queensland Government to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence regarding the detrimental effects of plastic straws on the environment. We implore you to take swift action in banning plastic straws on Tetra Drink Packs and spearhead the adoption of sustainable alternatives.

Together, we can make a significant difference to ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, protecting wildlife, and preserving the beauty of our Great Barrier Reef and planet for future generations.

About Freya 11-years-old: Hello my name is Freya I'm involved with Capricorn Conservation Council and I'm a member of the Capricorn Coast Eco Warriors. I spend a lot of time with them cleaning up beaches to prevent rubbish from entering the sea. It's important to me that we ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ because I'm trying to protect OUR future. Plastic pollution doesn't just hurt sea turtles and other sea creatures it also hurts seabirds, like seagulls. This can happen in a number of different ways, for example, they could eat fish when the fish have eaten plastic themselves or they could mistake plastic for food and give it to their chicks and they die because of it. CCC and I try to make the world a better place for our future. If you believe in a plastic-free future please sign my petition and ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

Freya

Capricorn Conservation Council

A voice for the environment

Cap Coast Eco Warriors

 

Sophie George- BEnvS BSciBio

Coordinator

Capricorn Conservation Council 

A voice for the environment 

CQUniversity BSciHons Student 

Cap Coast Eco Warriors Member

 

Allan Briggs - MEd, Grad Dip, BA

Secretary

BirdLife Capricornia

Birds are in our nature

 

Dave Copeman 

Director 

Queensland Conservation Council

 

Malcolm Wells

President

Capricorn Coast Landcare Group

 

Toby Hutcheon

Campaign Manager

Boomerang Alliance

 

Jo Stoyel

Coordinator 

Plastic Free CQ - Boomerang Alliance 

 

Michelle Landry MP

Federal Member for Capricornia

 

Mike Moller

Regional Engagement Coordinator

Wide Bay Burnett Environment Council Inc 

 

Sara Hillman

Coordinator

KCA Sponsored WastED

 

Denise Weisse

Chairperson 

Keppel Turtle Fund

 

Flynn O'Hallahan

Youth Minister for the Environment

Queensland Youth Parliament

 

Imogen Lindenberg

Climate Campaigner

Mackay Conservation Group

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land and waters which we conserve and protect, the Darumbal Country and the Woppaburra Country. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present, and emerging, for they hold the memories, the culture, and the dreams of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.