Waste diversion leads to greener coast

A GRASSROOTS environmental group have diverted close to 80 per cent of all waste generated at this year’s Torquay Nightjar Festival from landfill.

Jan Juc local Anneliese Hallam, who works with B-Alternative as well as Plastic Wise Torquay, said the introduction of Surf Coast Shire’s Plastic Wise Program in 2016 has seen event organisers “crack down” on the amount of waste being generated at local venues and public spaces.

“The results we have had here along the Great Ocean Road and Surf Coast have been extremely positive,” Ms Hallam said.

“As a community, the Surf Coast is pretty good – we are progressive, but we need to continue to be progressive to preserve the beauty of our area.

“In the years to come, we believe we can easily have Surf Coast events operating at a zero-waste level.”

B-Alternative founder Jason Rahilly and festival manager Tim Landells said the festival scene is an opportunity to promote behaviour change.

“Our goal at music festivals and events is to divert as much waste from landfill as possible and to get the event and its patrons to embrace reusable living,” the pair said.

“We also ensure that events have no single-use plastic and all food vendor packaging is compostable, turning a landfill destined process into a closed-loop cycle, where waste can be valued as a resource.”

Ms Hallam also said the Torquay Cowrie Market have experienced similar diversion rates.

“The Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road is emerging as a leading community when it comes to environmental sustainability and we are excited to see where it goes next,” Ms Hallam said.

For more information on eco-friendly solutions initiative B-Alternative, visit b-alternative.com.