Surf Coast Shire Council has partnered with Responsible Cafes – a not-for-profit program supporting local cafes to reduce their plastic waste and single-use cups.
Council will invite local cafes to join the program, with the first 30 cafes that register as a Responsible Cafe to receive a starter pack of reusable Huskee cups worth over $300.
GROW Anglesea is one of 13 cafes which has already signed up for the initiative, with owner Lyndelle Flintoft believing small steps can make a big difference.
“I know sometimes sustainability can feel like it could cost more money but things like bringing your own coffee cup to the shop, everybody can do that,” she said.
“It’s about taking little steps – not buying things wrapped in plastic, considering if something has been made by a local designer rather than a mass producer.
“It takes a little bit more effort but it’s all possible. If you’re someone who wants to start at the basics, bringing in your own coffee cup and being conscious about what you’re consuming is a great start.”
Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton praised cafes which had registered for the Responsible Cafes program, aligning with Council’s strategy to foster businesses that reflect local character and values, including sustainable principles.
Each business that registers with the program will also be promoted on a nationwide Responsible Cafes map, receive support and advice on getting set-up and social media templates and posters to communicate the initiative to customers.
The mayor encouraged people using disposable takeaway cups to make the switch to reusable.
“It’s fantastic to see all the other ways that cafes are reducing waste, including being plastic bag and container free, offering free water refills, and composting coffee grounds and food waste. It all helps,” Cr Stapleton said.
“At the start of COVID-19 lockdowns, a lot of people’s good habit of taking their own cup to a café was put on pause due to the uncertainty of the virus. This led to a huge increase in the number of single use takeaway coffee cups being used and then thrown away.”
