We Care expands to accommodation, retail businesses

Eurobodalla Council is expanding its We Care environmental program after it received further funding from the NSW Environmental Trust Fund.

Introduced in 2018, We Care aims to reduce the quantity of single-use plastics being sent to landfill and littered into our environment by helping local businesses adopt more eco-friendly solutions.

In the first phase of the program, one third of Eurobodalla’s food businesses signed on to remove from their operation at least one of the five problem plastics; straws, coffee cups, takeaway food containers, cutlery and plastic bags.

It was a resounding success, with pre and post program audits showing a 50 per cent reduction in litter items identified at hot spots in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma.

In the second phase, accommodation and retail businesses are invited to join. Managers of retail outlets, hotels, resorts and caravan parks can receive advice and ongoing support on how they can transition away from single-use plastics, such as single-use personal care products, bottled water, condiment sachets, cutlery, cups and bags.

Council’s sustainability project officer Alexandra King said there was a growing interest among the community and its visitors to be conscious consumers when it came to single-use plastic items.

“For businesses that want to do the right thing for the environment and their customers, it can be time consuming and tricky to know where to start,” she said.

“We are trying to take away the hassle by helping local businesses find solutions that work for them.”

Ms King said Council understood it had been a tough year for local businesses – especially accommodation providers.

"We have witnessed periods of renewal emerge after crisis and it is amazing to see so many businesses viewing the down time as an opportunity to rest and recover, as well as re-examine operations – and the good news is, we are here to help,” she said.

“Council can provide free package samples and can work one-on-one with business operators to try and find more eco-friendly solutions within budget, from their normal suppliers.”

Businesses wanting to be involved – including food businesses and those already implementing strategies to reduce their plastic footprint can contact Eurobodalla Council's sustainability project officer Alex King on 0417 953 014 or email [email protected]