More than 30 New South Wales-based organisations have joined forces with the City of Sydney and pledged to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across their businesses.
Industry leaders from the hospitality, accommodation, events, and property sectors signed the Sydney Single-use Pledge with Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
Companies to so far take the pledge include the Sydney Opera House, Atlassian, Fox Studios, and Star Entertainment Group. The commitment means there will be fewer plastic bottles, straws, throwaway cups, and food utensils at a growing number of Sydney cafés, hotels, entertainment venues, markets, festivals, major events, and outdoor spaces.
The Lord Mayor says the pledge shows Sydney businesses are determined to reduce the effect single-use plastics are having on the environment.
“Acting together, we can reduce our impact on the environment and show the world that Sydney businesses are leading the way to a zero-waste future,” the Lord Mayor says.
“Studies show that up to one million plastic drinks bottles are purchased globally every minute, but less than 50 per cent are collected for recycling. Plastic straws can last up to 600 years and many end up in our beautiful harbour and waterways. It is shameful that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.”
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She adds while recycling plays an important role in managing waste, Sydney needs to refocus on reduction and avoidance.
“The City has set bold targets to reach zero waste by 2030. We must reduce the amount of waste we produce, recycle as much as possible and treat what’s left over in the most sustainable way,” the Lord Mayor says.
“I congratulate the businesses who have signed up to this pledge, and I urge others to get on board and commit to phasing out single-use plastic because it’s better for business and better for the environment.”
Businesses from the City of Sydney-led groups Sustainable Destination Partnership, Better Buildings Partnership and CitySwitch have committed to reducing single-use items in their businesses and buildings.
Insurance company Allianz is one company to sign the pledge. Charis Martin-Ross, Senior Manager Social Impact, says the use of plastic and plastic waste has become a major global issue.
“This is an issue that requires a united response. As businesses and as a community we need to come together to take action to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics such as straws, coffee cups and plastic bags,” Charis says.
“That’s why Allianz is proud to sign this pledge and join the City of Sydney and the broader Sydney community in tackling this serious issue.”
Under the new environmental pledge, businesses commit to implementing at least four actions that will reduce reliance on single-use plastic items.
The City of Sydney has developed guidelines to help everyone using its venues and outdoor space find sustainable alternatives to single-use items and ensure that where waste is generated, recycling is maximised. The guide is available HERE.
The pledge form is available HERE.
