Shoalhaven food retailers leading the way in going plastic free
Published on 14 November 2022
Local food retailers are proudly displaying their Plastic Free Shoalhaven member certificates to demonstrate their commitment towards eliminating single-use plastics. This aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to reduce plastic litter across our state by placing a ban on single-use plastics as of 1 November 2022.
Plastic Free Jervis program is delivered by not-for-profit group Boomerang Alliance, supported by Shoalhaven City Council, and funded by the Australian Government. The program is designed to help local food retailers reduce single-use plastic items that are commonly found in the litter stream. This includes items like plastic water bottles, straws, cups, takeaway containers and plastic bags.
With the NSW Government introducing the state-wide ban on single-use plastic items, the local program is particularly timely. The NSW ban applies to the sale or distribution of single-use plastic bags, straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, unlidded bowls, cotton buds, foodware and cups made from expanded polystyrene foam.
All of these items have readily available reusable or compostable alternatives, and the Plastic Free Jervis program is designed to work with local businesses to help them identify what alternatives will meet their needs and where they can source them. Once a local food retailer has eliminated all of the plastic items targeted by the program, they receive recognition as a Plastic Free Champion.
Across the Shoalhaven, 25 food retailers have joined the Plastic Free Jervis program. Cafes have implemented a range of initiatives in place to help encourage re-use, including participating in the Green Caffeen reusable cup network, and providing discounts for bringing keep cups, reusable straws for dine-in, and steel containers for kitchen storage.
Dr Michael Roberts, Shoalhaven City Council’s Manager of Environmental Services expressed, “With the NSW Government ban on single-use plastic items now in place, it’s critical for businesses to make the transition”.
“Shoalhaven City Council has received a lot of interest from cafes and food retailers about the program, and it’s great to see local businesses leading the way in reducing single-use plastic.
“This enables better protection of environmentally sensitive locations across our Local Government Area,” said Dr Roberts.
To find out more about the program, show your support for local cafes taking the plastic free challenge, or to register your interest, head to www.plasticfreeplaces.org/jervis-bay.com.au
For more information on the NSW Ban on single-use plastics, and support for businesses, visit www.nswplasticsban.com.au