Is your business the next plastic-free champion?

Keeping plastic out of our precious environment takes a community effort, and businesses and consumers play a vital role. Whether you’re a business owner deciding which packaging you’ll purchase in your business or a consumer buying a packaged item, we all have the power to make better choices for the planet. Red Gum BBQ in Red Hill and many other businesses around the Peninsula are doing just that with the help of the Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula program.

Red Gum BBQ has been certified as a plastic-free champion under the program delivered by national peak body Boomerang Alliance. Plastic Free Mornington Peninsula facilitator Birte Moliere confirmed the awardwinning venue had successfully eliminated all single-use plastic packaging items from its takeaway menu. "We are thrilled to welcome Red Gum BBQ among Boomerang Alliance's national group of plastic-free business champions,” Birte said. “A big shout out to Melissa and Martin Goffin and their extended team; their passion, tenacity and commitment to drive positive change in our community is very inspiring."

To gain plastic-free champion status, Red Gum BBQ's certification audit verified its takeaways were free of plastic straws, cutlery, water bottles, takeaway containers, cups, lids, and plastic bags. Red Gum BBQ is Australia’s only B Corp-certified, Chef Hat-awarded and multiaward-winning restaurant – an incredible example of a local business championing to be a ‘force for good’ while creating a fantastic customer experience.

"Most Peninsula businesses are aware of the negative impact that fossil fuel-based single-use plastics are having on our environment,” Birte said. “Businesses know that their patrons want litter-free beaches and parks. What's more, Australians are increasingly concerned about the health impacts caused by toxins leaching from plastic into our food and drinks. Our member businesses are joining the Plastic Free Places program, as they are looking for advice on how to offer more sustainable takeaway options."

Several single-use plastic items – including plastic straws, cutlery and plates – will be banned under the upcoming State Government legislation coming into effect next February.

The Plastic Free Places program is funded by the Commonwealth and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and provides free advice and promotion to local businesses ready to make the switch. Since the program began on the Peninsula on October 1, 48 businesses have joined and 269,021 pieces of plastic have been eliminated.

For more information, including a list of members and information on how to join, visit wastewisepeninsula.org