In October 2019, Glen Eira City Council in Victoria engaged The Boomerang Alliance to conduct a single-use plastic reduction trial as part of our Plastic Free Places program. The trial 'Plastic Free Elsternwick', recently finished up, and over the past 6 months, 18 participating businesses eliminated over 25,000 pieces of single-use plastic! 

During the trial, participating businesses aimed to eliminate identified single-use plastic items such as coffee cups, takeaway containers and straws.

Boomerang Alliance staff spent a week in the community in early October working with each business, followed up by regular communication and visits to keep them on track and assist them as needed. Glen Eira City Council provided social media and media support, as well as incentives to encourage participation and behaviour change. 

The trial was successful, with over 25,446 pieces of plastic eliminated during the six-month period (not including plastic bags due to the Victorian bag ban coming onto effect). This is only the start of the plastic savings the program will see over time. 

Notable results include:

• Five businesses have eliminated plastic straws, 2 eliminated plastic cutlery, 3 eliminated plastic coffee cups & lids, 3 eliminated cups & lids, and 4 eliminated plastic takeaway containers and lids.
• One businesses started composting their food and packaging waste, and 3 businesses are using 'swap & go' reusable network 'Returnr.'
• Most businesses are displaying educational signage about the trial and signage to encourage their customers to reduce plastic use. 

Find out more and see our outcomes report at www.plasticfreeplaces.org/elsternwick