The City of Sydney has joined forces with a number of leading companies in a pledge to dramatically reduce single-use plastics.
Lord Mayor, Clover Moore hosted an event in which industry leaders from the hospitality, accommodation, events and property sectors signed up to the Sydney Single-use Pledge.
Cr Moore said more than 30 organisations had so far taken the pledge, including the Sydney Opera House, Atlassian, Fox Studios and Star Entertainment Group.
She said the commitment meant 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.
“The pledge shows Sydney businesses are determined to reduce the devastating effect single-use plastics are having on the environment,” Cr Moore said.
“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.”
She said studies showed that up to one million plastic drinks bottles were purchased globally every minute, but less than 50 per cent were collected for recycling.
“While recycling plays an important role in managing our waste, we need to refocus on reduction and avoidance,” Cr Moore said.
“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.”
She said the City of Sydney had taken a platinum pledge, committing to phasing out seven single-use items in its buildings, at its own venues and at events within its Local Government area.
“The city will eliminate or reduce the use of the following items — bottled water, plastic straws, plastic serve-ware, including expanded polystyrene, plastic utensils, promotional flyers, plastic single-use sampling or giveaways and single-use cups,” the Lord Mayor said.
