UNSW will again take part in Plastic Free July, a global initiative to reduce single-use plastic on campus.
This year the challenge is to Choose to Refuse and there are lots of ways you can choose to refuse plastic, like cutlery and single-use coffee cups, at cafes and restaurants on campus.
Reducing waste by tackling single-use disposables and promoting reusable containers and cups is a key priority as detailed in UNSW’s Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019-21, released on World Environment Day last month.
UNSW also introduced a ban on the supply of single-use plastic bags and straws for all retail leases effective from 1 January 2019, with some additional time for implementation allowed for those retailers where there are special product and service requirements.
Retailers can only provide a plastic bag if it is biodegradable or designed for multiple use, and must charge a fee for the bag, the same way that supermarkets do.
During Plastic Free July last year reusable coffee cups were a hit at the popular UNSW café, Penny Lane, with records showing the sale of coffees in reusable cups increased by 33%.
The global movement has inspired more than 120 million people across 177 countries to reduce plastic waste, ensuring cleaner streets, oceans and community spaces.
This year Business and Campus Services are running a Ditch the Disposable Instagram Competition.
Simply share your act of environmental kindness on Instagram between 1st and 28th July, and you could win a prize of limited edition, reusable UNSW merchandise. Here's how to enter.
3 Ways to be Plastic Free on Campus
1. Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle
Use one of 12 outdoor water bubblers on campus to stay hydrated every day. Bring your own reusable bottle and access multiple free refills around the campus. This helpful map can show you where they are.
2. Use a reusable coffee cup
Pick out a reusable coffee cup to use this July and bring it along to your favourite café. Many kinds of cups are sold at cafes, stationary shops, supermarkets, charity events, department stores and online.
Most cafes on campus will offer customers a 20-50 cent rebate for bringing reusable cups.
3. Bring your own containers
Consider bringing your own bowl or plate when buying food from vendors on campus.