Ending plastic waste

MORNINGTON Peninsula hospitality venues are being urged to be plastic free in support of a litter and waste-free summer.

The Boomerang Alliance program Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula is inviting food businesses and events to commit to lowering their carbon footprint while reducing packaging costs over the next six to 12 months.

Mornington Peninsula facilitator Birte Moliere said much of the waste in the hospitality sector could be avoided by using alternatives and going plastic free.

“Through our One.Change Campaign, people are being encouraged to start with one simple step – reusable takeaways. In particular, making the switch to reusable cups, water bottles and bags,” Moliere said.

According to the alliance, more than 15,000 single-use cups are thrown out across the peninsula daily.

“Single-use coffee cups - even the certified compostable ones - are only used once before they end up as litter or are destined for landfill,” Moliere said.

“Despite all sorts of claims, they are almost never recycled. Single-use plastic is bad news for a business’s bottom line, our beaches and bays and people’s health due to plastics leaching toxins.”

According to the latest United Nations report Turning off the Tap 2023, global plastic pollution needs to be slashed by 80 per cent by 2040.

Boomerang Alliance is calling for action by the federal, state and territory governments.

The alliance comprises 55 national, state and local organisations that share the goal of giving communities power and influence to reduce waste.