Sustainability better latte than never

LOCAL businesses are being urged to join a new partnership to sustainably reduce waste within cafes.

The Surf Coast Shire and not-for-profit program Responsible Cafes have brewed a new partnership to reduce plastic waste and single-use cups across the region.

GROW Anglesea on Inverlochy Street is one of 13 cafes to take part in the initiative, with owner Lyndelle Flintoft praising the program’s benefits.

“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,” Ms Flintoft 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.”

The first 30 cafes to register as a Responsible Café will receive a starter pack of reusable Huskee cups worth over $300.

Shire mayor Libby Stapleton said the program aligns with Council’s strategy to reward businesses that reflect local character and values.

The Surf Coast Shire area has more than 70 cafes, estimated to generate more than 1.9 million disposable cups each year.

“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.”

“We encourage all cafes to register for this great initiative, and for our community members to dust off their reusable cups to support our beautiful natural environment.”

For more information, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/responsiblecafes.