In Victoria, one of the biggest ways we’re committing to a plastic-free community is through the implementation of the Single Use Plastics Ban. Here’s a few key points you should know.
From 1 February 2023, single-use plastics including the following will not be made available for purchase or supply in Victoria:
- single-use straws
- cutlery
- plates
- drink-stirrers
- expanded polystyrene food and drink containers
- cotton bud sticks
What You Can Use As Plastic Alternatives:
According to the Victorian Government, it is suggested to use reusable alternatives to plastics including:
- cutlery made from stainless steel, heavy-weight plastic, or bamboo
- plates made from plastic or ceramic
- glass, plastic, or metal containers
- bamboo or cardboard cotton buds
What about oxo-degradable plastics, (the plastics that fragment into thousands of little pieces)?
By February 1st 2023, the Victorian Government is banning oxo-degradable plastics including straws, plates, cutlery, drink-stirrers, food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks that are created using oxo-degradable plastic technology.
At Biogone, we support this movement as we believe the production or use of oxo-degradable plastics is highly dangerous to our environment and will impact our next generations for decades if nothing is done. Oxo-degradable plastics don’t decompose, instead they break down into plastic fragments that pollute our environment and can even be ingested in our food without us knowing.
Are there any exemptions?
The only exemptions to Victoria’s single use plastic ban include those used in or as “medical or scientific equipment, emergency management services, or people who require specific single-use plastic products due to disability or for health and safety”.
What you can do today to reduce plastic waste in Australia
The plastic bans (both at a National and State level) are going to affect everyone in the community – from regular consumers to business owners alike.
So to create a smoother (and faster) transition to a more plastic-free Australia, here are some steps you can take starting from today.
1. Use reusable where you can
As proposed by the Victorian Government, you can choose to reuse or avoid altogether:
- avoid straws or choose reusable ones made from bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone
- avoid drink stirrers or choose reusable metal teaspoons or swizzle sticks
- choose cotton buds with bamboo or cardboard sticks
2. If you’re a business, start planning for the 2025 National Packaging Targets
It’s a crucial time for businesses regardless of size, to review their packaging and plan to meet the 2025 National Packaging Target. This means switching all packaging to 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable. You can read more about how you can start planning in our blog about government targets.
3. Spread awareness to your wider community and local businesses
Spread the news by sharing this article to your friends and family or you could even let your favourite local cafe/restaurant know of what’s happening with the upcoming plastic bans in Australia.
By getting everyone in your community aware and involved, this will all go towards helping for a smoother and more successful transition into a plastic-free world!
