An ecologist has called on Kingston Council to phase out plastic decorative items at Kingston Cemetery, warning that they harm the environment. Alison Fure, 68, wants the council to ban items such as artificial flowers, plastic pots, ornaments, windmills, and cellophane wrappers, which often end up as litter and release microplastics into the soil and nearby Hogsmill River.
Growing Plastic Problem
Alison Fure said the amount of plastic in the cemetery has increased over the years, with old, faded, and broken items scattered across the grounds. She described the situation as 'out of hand' and noted that while visitors often leave these items with good intentions, the accumulation detracts from the cemetery's serenity and creates an environmental issue.
Her petition, which has garnered 60 signatures so far, argues that the cemetery should be a place of natural peace and dignity. She has spent hours with her granddaughter and other volunteers picking up plastic litter from the site.
Current Regulations
Kingston Council already bans plastic fencing and asks visitors to remove cellophane wrappers from flowers. However, Alison said these measures are insufficient, as plastic still ends up all over the cemetery. She believes a policy change would align Kingston with other councils, such as Richmond, which reserves the right to remove plastic items from graves without notice.
Resident Damon Hart-Davis, a member of the Kingston Environment Forum, expressed hope that the petition would strengthen the council's communication and enforcement of rules. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but urged people to consider the consequences of their actions.
Council Response
A Kingston Council spokesperson said the authority remains committed to protecting the cemetery's habitats as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. They noted that staff are instructed to remove wrappers during duties and after burial services, and that plot purchasers receive correspondence about regulations. Once the petition closes on August 12, the council will consider strengthening its messaging.
Alison will be outside the post box at the end of Castle Street in Kingston on June 22 from 4:30pm to 5:30pm for people to view and sign the petition.
