Industry leaders from the hospitality, events and property sectors have come together to sign up to the Sydney Single-use Pledge.
More than 50 organisations have so far taken the pledge, including Sydney Opera House, 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 hotels, entertainment venues, markets, festivals, major events and outdoor spaces.
Businesses from the Sustainable Destination Partnership, Better Buildings Partnership and CitySwitch have committed to reducing single-use items in their businesses and buildings. So far 55 organisations have signed the pledge, with more expected to join.
YHA, the largest provider of budget travel accommodation in Australia, has taken the single-use pledge. CEO Julian Ledger said the plastics pledge closely aligns with the organisation’s values and guests expectations.
“YHA Australia is striving towards sustainability, including a ban on the sale of bottled water at major youth hostels,” Julian said.
“By providing chilled water fountains and re-usable bottles, around 40,000 fewer single-use water bottles will be sold each year. Travellers will be educated about how drinking tap water in Australia is safe.”
Insurance company Allianz has also signed up to the pledge. Charis Martin-Ross, senior manager social impact, said 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.
“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,” Charis said.
Under the new environmental pledge, businesses commit to implementing at least 4 actions that reduce reliance on single-use plastic items.
The City of Sydney has taken a platinum pledge, committing to phasing out 7 single-use items in its buildings, at its own venues and at events within our area. The City will eliminate or reduce the use of:
- bottled water
- plastic straws
- plastic serveware, including expanded polystyrene
- plastic utensils
- promotional flyers
- plastic single-use sampling or giveaways
- single-use cups.
The City has developed guidelines to help find sustainable alternatives to single-use items and ensure that where waste is generated, recycling is maximised.
The pledge is available online.