Ban On Single-Use Plastics In Victoria

A single-use plastic ban has been imposed in Victoria. Victorians no longer have access to single-use plastic. Banning single-use plastics restricts the supply and sales of plastic items including; straws, cutleries, cotton bud sticks, drink stirrers, plates, and polystyrene containers. NSW introduced a similar initiative two months ago.

The State Environment Minister of Victoria states;  “Plastic pollution has significant impacts on our health, wildlife, and the environment,” the ban will help in creating a clean and healthy environment in Victoria. “Banning single-use plastics is a crucial step to protect Victoria’s rivers, waterways, and oceans from plastic pollution.”

Victorians can easily purchase reusable alternatives to the single-use plastic products that are available in some restaurants, supermarkets, and food retailers as well. The Victorian government also states that numerous new jobs will be created under recycling and manufacturing under reforms that follow last year’s 1 million dollar investment in a brand new technology; which turns hard-to-recycle materials into sustainable building products.

What Does The Ban Include?

The Victoria single-use plastic ban applies to conventional, degradable, and compostable plastics. Some exceptions are there regarding plastic use; people with disabilities need to use these plastics due to medical conditions. 

The single-use plastic ban in Victoria restrains the supply and sales of plastic products includes; 

• plastic cutleries
• straws
• drink stirrers
• polystyrene containers
• plastic cotton bud sticks 

This ban is applicable to all organizations and businesses or any individual that manages or has control over businesses or undertakings. This does not include employees.

The primary category for banning single-use plastics includes; hospitality and retail businesses including; supermarkets, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, takeaway food outlets, and online stores. The suppliers include online marketplaces, distributors, wholesalers, importers, and so on. This ban does not apply to individuals, undertaking domestic or private activities. The single-use plastic ban intends to get rid of these items directly from the supply chain even before they reach the consumers. 

Why Victoria's Government Ban Single-Use Plastics? 

As per the Victorian government, single-use plastics make up 3rd of all Victoria’s waste, Hence the Victorian government imposed this ban. This ban on single-use plastic was intended with the goal of diverting 80% of the waste from landfills by the year 2030. It is a statewide and comprehensive initiative that assists organizations and businesses in preparing for the ban and understanding it better.  

They remain in the environment for a long time, harming our wildlife and contaminating our food and water. Many single-use plastic items are difficult and economically unviable to recycle. This ban will also help reduce plastic waste and contamination at recycling facilities.

What If Businesses Still Use Single-Use Plastics? 

So the big question is; what if businesses still use single-use plastics? Firstly, the government will work with the businesses and make sure that they understand their obligations; However, penalties will be applied for non-compliance. It applies to both offenses and ranges from 60 penalty units for a natural person up to 300 penalty units for a body corporate.

15 Alternatives To Banned Single-Use Plastics

Switching to a reusable single-plastic alternative has numerous positive benefits. It will help in slowing down the rates of plastics entering landfills, oceans, and other water bodies. Reducing plastic use will help prevent natural wildlife from consuming harmful and toxic chemicals from which these single-use plastics are made.  We have curated a detailed list of 15 alternatives to single-use plastics. Make sure you go through this list and select the convenient option for yourself. 

Beeswax

Rather than buying endless rolls of plastic wraps, you can switch to beeswax wraps instead. These eco-friendly alternatives are made up of organic cotton, coated in coconut or jojoba oil, tree resin, and beeswax. These covers are freezer safe, and waterproof, and if you take proper care they can last up to 12 months. In addition, they are biodegradable and compostable. You can also opt for cruelty-free wraps that are coated with vegan-friendly plant waxes. 

Silicone Food Covers And Lids

Talking about environmental sustainability, silicone is not the best alternative as it sits between a synthetic rubber and synthetic plastic polymer. But it is still better than single-use plastics. You can find these alternatives from health stores, Ikea and Aldi. These lids come in different sizes and are ideal for covering cut vegetables and fruits. 

Paper And Metal Straws

It is estimated that Aussies throw away around 10 million plastic straws in a day. Instead of stocking up on this pile, you can switch to better alternatives like glass, stainless steel, and silicon. You can also try out recyclable cardboard straws as well. 

Paper Bags

Paper packagings are a convenient alternative to plastic bags. They are getting more popular day by day as they are an easy-to-find alternative. This also aids in supporting local and small businesses. Plastic bags are banned from kids' lunchboxes at some victorian schools. You can find bread in paper bags at numerous supermarkets in Victoria. 

Bamboo Toothbrushes

You can start out by ditching your plastic toothbrushes and opting for a bamboo one instead. Reports suggest that Aussies dispose of around 30 million plastic toothbrushes every year.  These end up in the landfill. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth. Not only an eco-friendly plastic alternative but it is also low maintenance and sustainable choice. Also, it does not aid in deforestation. If it is not a convenient choice for you then you can opt for recyclable plastics.

Cotton Tote Bags

According to sustainability Victoria, Australians use about 10 million plastic bags every single day. Soft plastics can be recycled, however, only 3% of these soft plastics are recycled. Carrying your own tote bags or reusable bags will help in reducing this number. Be it a stylish cotton tote bag or even a backpack. It is always a better alternative to single-use plastics. You can also opt for supermarket totes, these bags have thick straps and will help in carrying heavy items. Another alternative to this will be bags that are made out of canvas, calico, cotton, or even recycled plastics. These are eco-friendly and sustainable choices that you can make. As per sustainability Victoria, Australians use about 10 million plastic bags every single day. 

Glass And Metal Containers

Instead of using single-use plastic bags and containers opt for recyclable materials instead. You can also use bags and containers made of recyclable materials. Use empty jars for transporting salad dressings or trail mix. You can also opt for glass containers for carting leftovers. This can make a huge impact on sustainable development. 

Reusable Cups

We recommend you use reusable cups for coffee and beverages. These reusable cups are designed so that they can be used on the go. They can be used multiple times once you wash them. 

Microfibre Clothes

As well as harboring bacteria and germs, plastic kitchen sponges are another environmental enemy. And if you’re changing yours the recommended once per week, that’s a lot of sponges entering landfill every year. The good news is there are alternatives to plastic sponges – including hemp sponges, bamboo or wooden scrubbing brushes, and microfibre cloths. There are even such things as vegan dish blocks.

Bamboo Cutleries

Ditch the single-use plastic cutleries and switch to Bamboo ones. These cutleries can be reused and will help in reducing waste. It is durable, strong, flexible, and lightweight and does not require chemicals to produce. They are all-natural and non-toxic. The bamboo cutleries can be composted as well; bamboo decomposes and releases its nutrients. 

Soap Bars

You can switch to eco-friendly, soap bars. You can use plastic-free, waste-free alternatives to regular bottled plastic containers of shampoo and conditioners. You will find numerous sustainable hair care brands like; Bar Nane offering cleaning bars and liquid soaps packaged in recyclable aluminum bottles.

Reusable Bottles

We cannot begin to talk about the waste generated by plastic bottles. About 373 million plastic bottles are wasted each year. The best eco-friendly alternative to this problem is to carry your water bottle. Invest in a good quality water bottle and carry it wherever you go. If you must buy packaged beverages then opt for glass bottles instead. You can also opt for easy-to-recycle cans over plastic bottles. Also, instead of wasting money on these plastic bottles, it is better to drink straight out of a glass. 

Paper Cups

Switching to paper cups is a better alternative to using single-use plastic cups. You can choose biodegradable and compostable paper cups. You can also go to your local thrift shop to stock up on upcycled glassware that can reuse time and again. These are great alternatives to using plastic cups that cause direct harm to the environment. A small conscious step towards change can make a world of a difference. 

Natural Washing Powder

Instead of using washing powders and liquid soaps, switch to an eco-friendly alternative. Ditch the liquid cleaning agents that are bottled in plastics. This will give out a message to manufacturers encouraging them to create more eco-friendly packaging alternatives. It would be even better if you switch to a natural alternative. 

Sustainable Nappies

As per Sustainability Victoria, about 3.75 million disposable nappies are used in New Zealand and Australia each day. It is estimated that it takes around 150 years for each nappy to break down. To stop this wastage you can adopt the measures of your grandparents as well, switching to cloth nappies. 

You will find numerous Aussie-made brands(Boho, Bare, Pea Pods, Hippybottumus, Econaps, and so on), that have come up with nappies made out of sustainable fabrics. Although these alternatives can still negatively impact the environment it is still a better alternative than plastic ones. 

Supporting The Ban: What Can You Do? 

We encourage all businesses to communicate up and down their supply chain about the ban, so your suppliers, customers, and team members are informed and prepared. Other organizations, such as councils, landlords, and peak representative bodies, are encouraged to distribute information and promote the information sessions available to their network.

Consumers can help support this ban by going without disposable items or using their own reusable items. Anyone can play a vital role in diminishing waste, preventing litter, and improving the overall environmental state. 

Conclusion

There are numerous benefits to banning single-use plastic. It reduces pollution, it also reduces the demand for plastic production. In addition, it will force manufacturers and companies to rethink their innovation and create sustainable materials. Even though it might seem like a minute change, it can be a simple change yet contribute largely to the global trend of sustainability.