Sunshine Coast Council has taken its support of the region’s journey towards phasing out single-use plastics one step further.
Late last month the council voted to phase out the products at its facilities and events, and Environment Portfolio councillor Jenny McKay says the organisation has already made significant progress.
“I’d like to raise the bar even further and encourage the phasing out of single-use plastics to be implemented at all council leased facilities, council supported events and activities held under a permit on council managed land,” she says. “We’ve been on this journey for many years.”
Sunshine Coast Council says it has been working proactively with the community to address the impacts of plastic on our natural environment.
“Simple things like taking our own reusable water bottles, cups and bags with us when heading out and replacing plastic items with alternative products makes a big difference to our environment in the long term,” Cr McKay adds.
“We’ve already seen great results. The team at Sunshine Coast Stadium saved a whopping 11,477 single-use plastic items between June and September 2018, simply by changing to compostable and biodegradable packaging at the canteen.
“I encourage the community and local businesses to get on-board to phase out single-use plastics. We’ve already identified opportunities to help our community adopt sustainable practices at events when catering.
“If we work together, we’ll be better equipped to protect our beautiful Sunshine Coast.”
My Weekly Preview has committed to the cause. The 100 per cent locally-owned company, which indirectly and directly employs around 160 people, has set targets to achieve a reduction in the use of biodegradable plastic bags to ensure the company is even more efficient and sustainable in its practices.
Editor Candice Holznagel says the team will spend the next 12 to 18 months minimising the reliance on these bags as they work towards an improved sustainable distribution method.
“My Weekly Preview was the first publication in Queensland to use biodegradable plastic bags,’’ she says.
“Our magazine is also printed on paper stock that is sourced from a paper mill with a sustainable forest agreement.
“The magazine is stamped with the PEFC logo – an achievement that we pride ourselves on. PEFC is the world’s leading forest certification organisation and is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management.
“Our publishers are hoping this move will encourage other businesses to look at what they can do to help keep our region green. We also want to take this opportunity to remind readers to correctly recycle their copy of the magazine when they are finished enjoying the edition.”
