CYNAMON Norris at Daisy Hill’s St Coco cafe are well ahead of the game when it comes to eco-friendly takeaway.
They use cardboard boxes for food, single-use straws and paper bags – no polystyrene here.
“Yes, we’re already using paper straws, and we use biodegradable products where we can,” Ms Norris said.
Like a number of restaurants and cafes, St Coco won’d mind the state government’s push to ban single-use plastic items in Queensland, starting with straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates.
And there are further moves afoot to ban polystyrene containers and cups.
The move is being sold as a move to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.
But owners such as Ms Norris and twin sister Amber see it as a social responsibility.
Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the government had already banned single-use plastic bags, had introduced the “containers for change” program, and this was another step.
“In March 2020, we asked Queenslanders to decide the future of single-use plastic items, and the overwhelming majority were in favour a ban,” Ms Scanlon said.
“The community’s sentiment is clear, with 94 per cent of the 20,000 respondents supporting the proposal to ban single-use plastic items.
“Now, we also want to know what Queenslanders think about including expanded polystyrene food containers and cups.
“This consultation is very important because we want to make sure we hear everyone’s perspectives on single-use expanded polystyrene items – community and industry alike.
“In recognition of the fact that this has been a difficult year for many small businesses in the hospitality sector, the ban’s start date will be no earlier than 1 September 2021, and we will confirm the start date once the Bill passes in early 2021.
“This will allow businesses and the hospitality industry time to source appropriate products and further consultation to occur.”
The new Bill would ban the supply and sale of single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates, and provide provisions for more single-use plastic items to be banned in the future, subject to public consultation.
Toby Hutcheon of Boomerang Alliance said that including expanded polystyrene products, after further consultation, was a welcomed improvement.
“It means the most obvious plastic littered items will be dealt with in this legislation,” said Mr Hutcheon.
“Local government, retailer associations and environment groups have all called for expanded polystyrene products to be included in the plastics ban. There are preferred alternatives available that are less harmful to the environment.
“Including expanded polystyrene products, after further consultation, makes sense and ensures the legislation is consistent with the other jurisdictions proposing similar takeaway plastic bans.”
Ms Scanlon said that the Bill recognised the needs of vulnerable community members and considers the needs of the disability, aged care and health sectors by providing exemptions.
