Waste free tips for businesses

Are you  the owner/manager/waste free warrior or a Cafe, Restaurant of Stallholder? Read on for some great tips on how to reduce waste in your business. 

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First Steps

Change can be hard, we have all been there. But there are steps that can be taken to help you in implementing waste free options into your business successfully.

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So, you are here because you want to reduce your consumption of single use plastics in your business and are not really sure where to begin. Like any change process, having clear goals and great communication with your team and customers is key. 

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Here are some tips to get you started:

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• Take small, but achievable steps.

• Research what you will use as an alternative, is it a better alternative? 

• Check to see what local suppliers stock as alternatives to plastic. 

• Don't be afraid to ask people who have already implemented change in their business for advice.

• Reach out to educational bodies or your local council for more information. 

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What Changes Can I Make?

There are many things you can look to change in your business to reduce waste, here are a few ideas to get you started.

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• Encourage customers to bring their own containers.

• Bring back the old school and use reusable containers. Encourage your customer to sit back, relax and enjoy their meal. 

• Source compostable containers and straws. 

• Donate unused food to charity.

• Contact your local community garden to donate vegetable scraps for compost. 

• Only give out straws and bags (preferably of the cardboard variety) if they are asked for. 

• Provide water FOC, who needs plastic bottles!

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Things to be Aware of

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• Be wary of items listed biodegradable, they may still be made of plastic and will still become microplastics. 

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Some Helpful Links & Inspiration

There are some amazing sources of information out there where you can get your inspiration, here are just a few:

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https://responsiblecafes.org/

https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/

https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/plastic-free-eateries/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/the-australian-city-aiming-to-become-plastic-free

https://www.abc.net.au/ourfocus/waronwaste/

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You have a support network out there who will applaud you for all the work you are doing, so well done you and it keep up!

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For any questions, please get in touch with the Waste Free NT team at hello@wastefreent.org

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