Circular Waste Watch special
The second phase of the single-use plastics bans, big achievements in the Waste Report Card, cool composting and great tips for cutting waste this festive season - all leading to a circular economy.
Further single-use plastic bans came into effect on 1 November
More ways to ‘Stop it and Swap it’ on plastics
The EPA, the retail industry and community supporters have welcomed the second phase of the NSW single-use plastic ban.
The ban will play a critical part in preventing an estimated 2.7 billion items of plastic litter from entering our waterways and natural environment over the next 20 years.
From 1 November, the supply of the below plastic items were banned in NSW:
- single-use straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, bowls and cotton buds
- expanded polystyrene food ware (including cups)
- rinse-off personal care products containing plastic microbeads.
The ban applies even if these items are made from biodegradable plastic, compostable plastic, or bioplastics.
How you can ‘Stop It and Swap It’
- Discover what is being banned, exemptions and alternatives to banned items at the Plastics Ban NSW website.
Big achievements in Waste Report Card
NSW communities are achieving big results with the latest Waste Less, Recycle More report card out. Since 2012, the NSW Government has invested more than $802 million in initiatives that drive recycling and reduce waste.
It is the largest waste and recycling program in Australia, delivering 3,347 projects.
Some highlights
- 21 million meals to those in need each year
- 11,600 tonnes of recycled glass to build roads and footpaths
- $13 million awarded to over 290 local community and council litter projects
- Over $5.5 million invested in Aboriginal community waste education, clean-up and prevention projects
- See the report card (PDF 235KB)
It’s Cool to Compost
We are driving down food waste and greenhouse emissions with a visionary, economy-boosting compost initiative helping farmers, food growers, businesses and councils become more sustainable and profitable.
In partnership with Circular Australia, the EPA has launched “Cool Compost”, the one-stop online information resource, showcasing remarkable and diverse composting success stories across sectors. Read more
Great tips for being circular this festive season
Christmas has to be the most tempting a time of year as we indulge throughout the festive season. The downside is we often buy more than we need and unfortunately by doing so the extra ‘just in case’ food tends to end up wasted.
- Luckily, our Love Food Hate Waste team are here with simple tips to make the most of your festive foods and ensure you feel good about using it all up.
- Clean out your pantry, fridge and freezer – use things up and create space for treats.
- Turn your fridge down one or two degrees to keep the temperature right when the fridge is full (and when you’re opening and closing the door more often).
- Salads with dressings will only last two hours at room temperature. So, serve in smaller portions, keeping the remainder in the fridge until its needed. Store undressed leftovers in airtight containers with paper towels to absorb the moisture. This is a good tip for herbs too.
- Use a chiller bag or esky when shopping for seafood and buy it last to keep it as cool as possible for as long as possible. Store prawns in a ceramic or glass container in the fridge away from other foods. Leave the shell on for as long as possible.
See more tips and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tips throughout December on how to be a festive food saver!