Move to Reuse - a Christmas present for the environment

Published on 19 December 2024

Move to reuse people! 

Council’s Single-use Packaging and Materials Policy has come into effect and this means all events held on Council-owned land, facilities and buildings will be moving more and more towards reusable items. 

The Move to Reuse campaign has been successfully trialled over the last twelve months at several markets and events in the Shire, with Council’s waste team supporting organisers to go back to basics and reuse cups, plates and cutlery.

“When it comes to single-use food and beverage packaging, we often think ‘it’s just one cup’ or ‘but it’s compostable’ and there’s no harm in that,” Council’s Resource Recovery Strategy and Engagement Officer, Sarah Child, said.

“The reality is, we use land and resources from all over the world to create something we carry for 10 minutes and then we throw it away and bury it in the ground,” Ms Child said.

“It is estimated at the Byron Shire community and farmers markets alone 450,000 single use waste items will be eliminated in the next 12 months, by using reusables at these events.

Over 32,000 single-use items have been avoided already through Council supported initiatives.

“You’ll notice more markets and events will be serving food and drink in reusable containers more often and at some markets we are putting in washing-up facilities..

“We’ve also been supporting local schools and community groups to reduce single use materials, conducting waste audits, and assessing what people need to do to implement the policy. 

“While it’s a simple concept, we recognise that there are some logistical challenges, investing in these changes will make a huge difference to our environment. 

“We have items that can be borrowed for events and are happy to assist anyone in their Move to Reuse,” Ms Child said. 

“By working together, we are saving so much from going to landfill,” she said.