Sporting clubs lead the way on reducing single use plastics

Living up to the saying “every little bit helps”, sporting clubs at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex have joined the campaign to phase out single-use plastics at Sunshine Coast Council-managed venues to reduce waste and keep our region beautiful.

Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay commended Sunshine Coast Netball Association and other clubs at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex for joining the fight to cut waste.

“We all know that single-use items are disastrous for our environment and waterways, yet a simple switch is really all we need to start making a major difference in reducing waste,” Cr McKay said.

“In June, council made the decision to investigate the phase out of single-use plastics at our managed facilities and I call on other sporting clubs across the region to join our campaign to save our wonderful Sunshine Coast environment.

“I was delighted to learn the Maroochydore Roos AFC, Maroochy Roos Juniors and Buderim United Soccer have also joined the campaign and ceased using straws which could have potentially ended up in our waterways – last year nearly 6000 were collected as part of council’s waterways litter cleansing activities.”

Sunshine Coast Netball Association president Natalie Jarrott said while recycling bins were already provided for their members, the association had made a conscious effort to find ways to reduce the amount of disposable products.

“We made the decision to immediately remove straws from the canteen and have commenced phasing out other single-use plastics such as soft drink and water bottles, plastic lolly bags and sweets such as sherbet-filled straws just to name a few,” she said.

“Even our barista from Caffeine Driven has come on board and stopped supplying plastic spoons and replaced them with an environmentally friendly alternative.

“We would like to thank council for the guidance and vision to make these changes as we believe it is a team effort and every little bit helps.”

Cr McKay said she would like to thank Unitywater for working in partnership with council to install an accessibility-friendly water refill station at Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex as well as other key sites across the Sunshine Coast over the next few months.

“Council will continue to maintain the station which will encourage people to Choose to Reuse and #BYOSunshineCoast,” Cr McKay said.

Visit Living Smart’s website for loads of tips and tricks to help you make a difference.