As the state government’s ban on single-use plastic went into effect on Wednesday, February 1, Wyndham business owners had to stop handing out drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers.
Teaser Tarneit owner Khoa Ngo says he began making changes to his bubble tea businesses about a month ago.
“We have to use paper cups, and for our other cups they have to be recyclable, and for the straw we use a paper straw,“ he said.
Mr Ngo said the transition was “hard in the beginning“ because he had to spend money buying the new supplies.
“I have a lot of [plastic] stock left and I don’t know what to do with it, at least $1000 worth,“ he said.
Customers have also voiced their dislike of the paper straws, as Mr Ngo says paper material only stays firm for abut 30 minutes before becoming difficult to drink through.
“But I know it’s for environmental reasons. I have kids so I know we have to protect the earth for the future,“ he said.
Single-use plastics currently make up a third of Victoria’s litter, and the state government says it is committed to diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.
“We are taking action to protect Victoria’s environment and reduce pollution by banning single-use plastic items and supporting businesses to switch to reusables instead,“ environment minister Ingrid Stitt said.
“Plastic pollution has significant impacts on our health, wildlife and the environment. This single-use plastics ban is a crucial step to protect Victoria’s rivers, waterways and oceans from plastic pollution.”
Last year, the state government says it invested $1 million towards new technology that will turn hard-to-recycle materials like cartons and coffee cups into sustainable building products.
Details: vic.gov.au/plastics.
