The Boomerang Alliance Plastic Free Townsville program was officially launched today (6 August, 2020) by Queensland Minister for the Environment, Leeanne Enoch. The program is funded by the Queensland Government, and supports the State Government's agenda to eliminate plastic takeaway litter and waste.
At the launch the Minister urged local businesses to join Plastic Free Townsville.
'We need local businesses to answer the call and join the Plastic Free Places program, supporting our efforts to reduce the amount of harmful plastic that ends up in our local waterways and on our pristine beaches.' she said.
Plastic Free Townsville is part of a national program aimed at the cafe and restaurant sector to help the sector switch away from single use plastic takeaway items. To date over 400 cafes have joined and have eliminated over 5 million single use plastics, including over 1.5 million straws and 500 million coffee cups.
The program promotes reusable foodware and if not possible, 100% compostable alternatives.
The Boomerang Alliance program success is based upon engagement and providing the right information. As Diana Condylas, Plastic Free Townsville Coordinator says:
'The key to our success has been personal engagement. We work directly with businesses, Council, suppliers, and waste operators to deliver solutions to businesses. It isn’t enough to just ask them to remove plastic – what they change to, how it suits their needs and where that product ends up is important as well'.
'Already, despite COVID-19 restrictions, 10 local cafes have joined the program' she said.
See the newspiece on Nine News North Qld
The array of reusable and 100% compostable products promoted by the program
QLD Environment Minister, Leeanne Enoch (right) with Diana Condylas, Plastic Free Townsville Coordinator at the launch
