While the fight against single-use plastic is often thought of as an individual choice, or perhaps even a nation-wide mission, one Australian destination is taking matters into its own hands.
On Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Noosa region has introduced a new initiative to eliminate up to an estimated three million single-use plastic water bottles each year.
Through its Plastic Free Noosa Program, Tourism Noosa will introduce a range of bespoke aluminium water bottles, that will be available to visitors in various shops, resorts and event venues.
There’s a collection of four stylish bottles to choose from, in both still and sparkling water options, that can be re-used and recycled.
The initiative is about creating a greener destination for locals and visitors alike, said Tourism Noosa head of sustainability manager Juanita Bloomfield-Terry.
“Places where people want to visit and live and that are sustainable don’t happen by chance, they are a product of visionary thinking and smart planning, and these bottles highlight Noosa’s commitment to reducing single-use plastic,” she said.
A number of the region’s prominent businesses and venues have already made the switch to the reusable bottles, including Peppers Resort & Villas, Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, RACV Noosa Resort, Noosa Heads SLSC and View Restaurant.
“So far we have already signed up 22 businesses and already eliminated over 1,344 single-use plastic water bottles,” said Plastic Free Noosa Program manager Anita Butler.
“We are looking forward to seeing the bottles in more and more locations over the coming weeks.”
The Noosa bottles are made from 65 per cent already recycled aluminium and can be recycled infinitely, compared to single-use plastic water bottles, which can only be recycled a handful of times.
Introducing the Noosa bottles at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas has been a “huge success” according to Fabrice Grau, area general manager for Accor.
“Our guests, conference delegates and staff members love them as it represents what Noosa is about: chic, fun, beautiful and eco-friendly,” he said.
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