Parliamentary secretary to the Environment Minister Reece Whitby MLA, Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton and Charlotte, Megan and Jason Camp.
Camera IconParliamentary secretary to the Environment Minister Reece Whitby MLA, Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton and Charlotte, Megan and Jason Camp. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Edgewater: young waste warrior takes plastic concerns to State Government

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

YOUNG waste warrior Charlotte Camp already has politicians listening at the age of eight.

The Year 3 Edgewater Primary School student recently approached Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton while she was gardening in her front yard to hand her a letter, complete with illustrations, addressed to the government.

“Just for a suggestion, what if you banned plastic bottles but made sure that everyone has a reusable bottle so people have something to drink out of,” she wrote.

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“This would stop a little bit of plastic pollution.”

Ms Hamilton invited Charlotte and her family to visit Parliament House and speak to the parliamentary secretary for the environment, Reece Whitby.

Ms Hamilton and Mr Whitby spoke to Charlotte about the container deposit scheme to start in 2020, which will give West Australians 10c for the return of plastic bottles.

Charlotte said she was excited by the scheme and she would do her best to encourage others to embrace it.

She said she was looking forward to spending the money she receives from recycling containers at the school canteen.

“I was so happy I got to go to Parliament and to hear that the government works hard on helping to save the environment,” Charlotte said.

“I believe that getting rid of plastic bottles is the right thing to do.”

Mr Whitby, on behalf of Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, presented Charlotte with an Environmental Champion Certificate.

Charlotte said she would discuss with her teachers and fellow students other initiatives that can be implemented at their school.

Ms Hamilton said she was excited to see passionate young people actively advocating for a better community.

“Charlotte is a courageous young person with a bright future ahead of her,” she said.

“As the local member of Parliament, I believe we should give interested children and youth every opportunity to have their views heard and to understand and participate in our political system.

“I look forward to staying in touch with Charlotte and hearing all about her future recycling projects.”