Gulf Savannah NRM has been helping local businesses adapt to the Queensland ban on single use plastics that came into force in September.
Food retailers and takeaway businesses can no longer supply single-use plastic straws, stirrers, plates, bowls, cutlery, or expanded polystyrene takeaway food containers and cups.
Affordable Solutions
Gulf Savannah NRM recently held free community Litter Quitter breakfasts in Mareeba and Georgetown to explain the ban and demonstrate eco-friendly replacements for single use plastic.
Eco-products expert Diane Creasey from Enviromart Australia was the keynote speaker, taking questions from local business operators and giving tailored advice.
“We know there’s been some confusion about the changes, and about what they mean for individual businesses,” Diane said.
“We’ve helped people understand the ban, and we’ve given them information about really good affordable options to replace plastic.
“Bio-packaging used to be expensive, but the costs have come down. In some cases, eco-friendly products are cheaper than the plastics they’re replacing.”
The breakfasts were the first in a series of free events being held in coming months in Mareeba Shire and the Gulf region.
Gulf Savannah NRM CEO Zoe Williams encouraged local businesspeople to get involved.
“Changes like these will make a real difference for our Gulf Country environments. We’re keen to help local businesses adapt and succeed.”
The breakfasts are part of the Gulf Savannah NRM Litter Quitter project, with support from the Queensland Government Community Sustainability Action grant program.
Watch Diane Creasey explains the ban and talks about affordable alternatives.
Contact us for information about future Litter Quitter events.