CQ food retailers leading the way in going plastic free!
Posted on August 23rd, 2022
Cafes, restaurants and mobile food vendors have been proudly putting up their “Plastic Free CQ” member certificates to show their commitment to taking steps towards eliminating single-use plastics.
Plastic Free CQ is run by peak not-for-profit group Boomerang Alliance, funded by the Australian Government, Rockhampton Regional and Livingstone Shire Councils.
“We work with local food retailers to help them eliminate key single-use plastic takeaway items and replace them with better alternatives,” said program coordinator Jo Stoyel. “Once they have eliminated the plastic items we’re targeting, we award them the status of ‘Plastic Free Champion’.”
The program is a free service for all food retail businesses in both local governments and surrounding areas to help them reduce key single-use plastic items that are commonly found in the litter stream – plastic water bottles, straws, coffee/cups & lids, takeaway containers, foodware (cutlery, cups, plates etc.) and plastic bags.
“All of these items have readily available reusable or compostable alternatives – our job is to work with businesses to identify what alternatives will work best to meet their needs and where they can source them,” said Ms Stoyel.
“We are very happy to announce “The Alley Yeppoon” as a Plastic Free Champion on the coast. Currently, there are three mobile vendor champions they are: Coco Mojo, Keppel Explorer and No Moo 4U and Riverston Tea Rooms in Rockhampton.
The Alleys Yeppoon owners, Ben Crowley & Leah Crowley, first made the decision to run their business sustainably prior to opening. Ben & Leah joined the program to identify what the best options for them were. “Our personal values around sustainability as a priority meant it was impossible to ignore the waste and that people often litter plastic packaging which causes problems in the environment and waterways,” Ben said.
“The Plastic Free CQ program is an amazing initiative for local CQ food retailers to join. They offer free advice on better alternatives to make the switch from plastic to meet the business’s needs while working with the business’ own local suppliers. I feel happy that we are doing something good for the environment and our customers to always give us positive feedback about being sustainability-focused” Leah said.
Ms Stoyel commented, ‘With the increase in takeaway since COVID-19, the resulting marine pollution, and the Queensland Government’s plan to phase-out certain problem plastics by 2030, people want to be part of the movement to create a better world. People can make a real difference by supporting our local businesses who are part of the solution and letting them know what a great job they’re doing. It’s also the perfect time for businesses to join Plastic Free CQ”. Any food retail business is able to join, and the service is provided free. To join head to the website Join | Plastic Free CQ.
Read the Livingstone Shire Council media release: Livingstone Shire businesses riding the plastic free wave
