No more straws

By Tas Mavridis

The South Melbourne Market has expanded its plastic waste reduction program to include plastic straws.

After banning single use plastic bags in April, South Melbourne Market manager Ian Sumpter said the straw ban, effective from December 1, was important in reinforcing the market’s commitment to reducing waste.

“The market is dedicated to being as sustainable as possible, reducing its environmental footprint and reducing plastic waste,” he said.

“As a result, we have implemented a program to systematically review problem areas and work with traders and the community to make some changes.”

“Plastic straws cause enormous damage to our environment, particularly along the foreshore, and in our waterways and parklands.”

“That’s a real concern, not just for us, but for our traders, shoppers and our local residents.”

The straw ban is part of the City of Port Phillip’s Love Our Bay campaign, which was something Cr Bernadene Voss said the market was heavily committed to.

“Council sees first-hand the damage plastic waste is making to our environment, particularly the waterways and beaches,” Cr Voss said.

“It is (the ban) a further reflection of the Market’s commitment to reducing waste and keeping plastics away from our bay and vulnerable marine life.”