Switch to reusables

Every day more than 15,000 single-use coffee cups are thrown away on the Mornington Peninsula alone. On top of that, singleuse takeaway packaging is only used for a few minutes before it tends to end up as litter or landfill, even when it’s compostable. That’s why Boomerang Alliance is urging residents and visitors to the Peninsula to make the switch to reusable cups, water bottles and bags this summer.

“Simple switches have a big impact,” said Birte Moliere from Plastic Free Places, a program managed by Boomerang Alliance and funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire. “The response from the community has been overwhelming with residents and visitors alike eager to support the reuse revolution.”

With the support of Plastic Free Places, many Peninsula businesses have responded to community concern over litter by switching from single-use cups to reusables. A directory of those that actively encourage and incentivise customers to use reusables has been created at www.wastewisepeninsula.org; you can also find your nearest reusefriendly venue by scanning the QR code on the page opposite.

To further encourage you, Plastic Free Places is running a competition for you to win a beautiful ceramic cup by Peninsula artist Natalie Heriot. To enter, go to @wastewisepeninsula on Facebook or Instagram and submit a photo with your reusable cup by March 1, 2024.

“As a father of two young boys, litter-free beaches are very close to my heart,” said Peninsula resident Jack. “It only takes a few simple changes to get there.” A Peninsula café owner and Plastic Free Places member said: “I don’t want the packaging that I use in my business to outlive me.”