Coolum Surf Club has launched reusable coffee cups, thanks to Coolum Business and Tourism’s new Plastic Free Coolum program.
Believed to be the first surf club in Australia to eliminate disposable coffee cups in operations, the Coolum venue is trialling a borrow cup scheme in partnership with Noosa-based Pottery For The Planet, manufacturer of ceramic takeaway coffee cups.
The news coincides with the launch of Plastic Free Coolum: a pilot program led by Coolum Business and Tourism and supported by Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Grants Program.
Coolum Business and Tourism president Mark Cameron says the chamber wants to help make the town one of the most sustainable places in the region to live, work and play.
“Locals and visitors alike value Coolum’s beautiful beaches and natural environment, and they expect businesses to manage their environmental impact,” Mr Cameron says.
“But for many businesses, it can be difficult to know what are the most meaningful actions, particularly with a high level of ‘green washing’. Plastic Free Coolum is a free program and makes it easy for businesses to make the switch. There has been such a great response from local businesses and the community already.”
Coolum Surf Club is a program ambassador and has earned Plastic Free Coolum Champion status, thanks to its commitment to sustainability which includes installing solar panels, and diverting organics and recyclables from landfill. General manager Mal Wright says the club wants to create a sustainable future that its members, staff and future generations can enjoy and be proud of.
“The club has been working to reduce single-use plastics in our operation, and the Plastic Free Coolum program has helped us find even more sustainable options like the borrow cup scheme,” he says.
Coolum-based Raw Bulk Foods Online is helping people reduce single-use plastics through a world-first innovation: reusable bags made from recycled ocean, beach and landfill plastics used to ship everyday groceries such as pasta, rice and lollies.
Founder Stephanie Hughes says the company’s sole purpose is to put an end to plastic waste while expanding its closed-loop model in Australia.
“As an innovative startup located right here in the heart of Coolum, we take pride in using plastic waste to create new, sustainable packaging, aiming to put an end to single-use plastic production,” she says.
“Joining Plastic Free Coolum presents a remarkable opportunity for us to inspire our local community to eliminate single-use plastic and we’re really proud to be based alongside other like-minded Coolum companies working to solve the plastic problem. Together, we can make a significant difference and create a more sustainable, plastic-free future – not just for Coolum, but throughout Australia.”
Pottery For The Planet exists to eradicate single-use culture and plastic waste across the globe with its range of ceramic keep cups and bowls.
Founder Renton Bishopric says his business was excited to partner with Coolum Surf Club to provide a waste free coffee cup option for its customers.
“With over one billion takeaway coffees served every year in Australia, it is clear that the use of single-use coffee cups has become a major contributor to our plastic waste problem,” Mr Bishopric says.
“Our borrow cup system offers an alternative solution. Customers can simply borrow a reusable cup from participating cafes and restaurants, then return it after their use.”
