Advice, workshops, clean-ups, activities - most of them free

Whanganui people are being challenged to avoid accumulating single-use plastic. Photo / file

Living a greener life and avoiding unnecessary plastic is the focus for Plastic Free July in Whanganui.

When main organiser Deirdra McMenamin went to India 20 years ago, tea on trains was served in terracotta cups that were thrown out the window afterward, and the tracks were lined with varying shades of red clay.

"Now it's all plastic. I just don't want to see that happen in Whanganui and I think we have a chance now to stop it happening," she said.

There are 31 events and activities in Whanganui for Plastic Free July. Sustainable Whanganui, Plastic Bag Free Whanganui and other groups and individuals are pitching in. The events will be listed on the Sustainable Whanganui Facebook page.

McMenamin said the main event will be a talk by Dr Trisia Farrelly, from Massey University, on the global plastics crisis and what to do about it. Also on the plastic theme, Rachel Rose will give two talks about getting, using and storing food without needing plastic.

On July 15 families and individuals are invited to the New World supermarket in Victoria Ave from 1-2pm for a great big unwrap. With approval of the owners, shoppers will unwrap the plastic packaging from their purchases and leave it behind in the store for disposal.

"We are hoping it will highlight awareness of plastic and how it's everywhere and how purchasing choices can limit plastic as well," Plastic Bag Free Whanganui member Elinor Harvey McDouall said.

She suggests scissors may be useful for the unwrap.

Every Saturday reusable cloth bags will be given away at the Whanganui River Markets, and there will be sewing machines there for people to make their own.

There will be classes in making kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and natural sodas, and a talk about growing organic and nutrient dense food. Nelson and Dani Lebo offer a permaculture presentation and Graham Pearson leads a planting session in the Castlecliff dunes.

The international Plastic Free July movement is asking people not to accept single-use plastic bags from retailers that month.

Some Whanganui events will include plastic elements - there's a trash art competition, and a creative session to revive the spirit.

"We are trying to use the plastic that we have meaningfully. We are not going to be all precious about it," McMenamin said.

Everyone who participates will go in a draw to win prizes, such as a ride in the Coastguard Whanganui boat, a worm farm or bottles of spiced apple juice.