'I think you found a relic': Troubling item discovered at Sydney waterfall
A woman has made a startling discovery while on a geocaching mission in Sydney, finding a “relic” believed to be more than 30 years old.
The item was an old plastic wrapper from a loaf Fielders Bread, which featured in a commercial in 1986.
Maria and Mark Atkins, a European couple housesitting in Palm Beach, found the wrapper, along with a significant haul of rubbish, near the Irrawong Waterfall in Warriewood, on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, on Monday.
“One of the items was this rather discoloured bag. We didn't think much of it as it was wrapped around a branch by the stream, so it must have been ‘washed’ a few times,” Mrs Atkins wrote to a community Facebook group.
“On closer inspection, we noticed the design actually looks quite old fashioned.”
Social media users informed the woman the package was in fact decades old, with many sharing childhood memories from back when it was delivered to their home.
“When we had the bread delivered at home in the 1970s, it was always Fielders, and Cobbity Farm before that,” a Facebook user wrote.
“At home during the school holidays, it would arrive still warm and we'd attack it straight away, with honey and butter.
“By lunch, half the loaf would be already gone.”
“That’s the bread we ate growing up on the Northern Beaches in the 70s and 80s,” another person wrote.
The wrapper has served as a stark reminder that non-recycled plastic remained in the environment forever.
Some suggested the “relic” could be used as an example of what happened when plastic made its way into the natural environment.
“That's why I kept it instead of throwing it away with the rest of our finds,” Mrs Atkins wrote.
“I'm wondering if it could be of interest to any of the organisations that are currently fighting against plastic pollution.”
Mr and Mrs Atkins have been enjoying their second winter in Palm Beach, and like to take part in organised beach and bush cleanups.
“Apart from helping the environment, we enjoy the community spirit at these events. It helps us feel more connected to the areas we visit,” Mrs Atkins said.
The couple also ensure they pick up rubbish during trips to natural areas.
Last month, old plastic Coles bags were found washed up on a beach in Brisbane.
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