Move to get tourists to go plastic bag-free

Plastic Free Byron have officially launched their Byron Borrow Bag program for accommodation providers operating in Byron Bay.

The first provider to take up the challenge is Byron Central Apartments.

Seed funded by Santos Organics, the program was established to deter plastic bag usage in the tourism sector.

It provides reusable organic cotton bags and timber stands for rooms and accomodation complexes so that tourists have shopping bags to use whilst on their stay.

Program director Paul Crebar said that ‘with over 2 million people visiting Byron Bay, many staying overnight, the impact of getting reusable bags into visitors’ hands for their shopping can have a significant impact on plastic bag use, the associated waste and the waste management costs our local council incurs as a result.’

Project manager Dan Smith, from Clean Coast Collective, said, ‘given that Byron Bay is an iconic destination renowned for being at the forefront of sustainable initiatives, it’s fitting for us to initiate this program.

‘The program will strengthen the interest of tourists in our sustainable lifestyle and has the potential to be adopted by accommodation providers throughout Australia and the world – which we’re incredibly excited about.’

Plastic Free Byron welcome other accommodation providers to get in touch to organise their complimentary bags with a limited number of stands and bags offered free as part of the grant funding.

For more details visit plasticfreebyron.com

 

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