Lou Hollis has been using the same dishwashing liquid bottle for 15 years.
She's part of an unpackaged food co-operative in Warrnambool, which is community run, not-for-profit and provides a way for regional communities to reduce single-use packaging.
The Koroit resident welcomed the new plastics ban in Victoria, but hoped it was just the start of a more sustainable approach to the waste crisis.
She's one of a number of residents tackling the issue at the source.
The 'old-fashioned' way of shopping
On the first Friday of each month, members of the Warrnambool Unpackaged Co-operative arrive armed with reusable jars, containers and bags to do their grocery shopping.
Bulk supplies of everything from vinegar and shampoo, to pantry staples like flour, cereal and pasta are on offer.
"It really is the old-fashioned way of shopping," Ms Hollis said.
"It means you are not filling up your soft plastics in the hopes that at some stage in the future, recycling will resume.
"Reducing is much better than just relying on recycling."
Plastic 'never goes away'
Colleen Hughson spends most days collecting rubbish from beaches across Warrnambool.
What she finds the most is single-use plastics, especially cotton bud stems and plastic straws.
She has collected more than 30,000 cotton buds in the past five years.
"The thing with plastic is it doesn't break down, it never goes away," Ms Hughson said.
"Plastic has such a detrimental impact on the environment and on our wildlife. I'm sure everyone has seen those pictures of birds and turtles with a gutful of plastic.
"Animals are ingesting this stuff."
She welcomed Victoria's single-use plastic ban but wanted to see more harmful materials outlawed.
"It's a great first step, but there's plenty of other things we would like to see on that list."
The ban was first announced in 2021.
The National Retail Association project manager Ebony Johnson said many Victorian businesses were upbeat about the changes.
"It's really in line with a lot of international trends and a very positive step forward," she said.
"It's really important to emphasise that it's not just about swapping to another disposable like wood or cardboard.
"There's a real opportunity for businesses to consider behaviour changes; getting out of some old habits and save themselves some money."
