Griffith University has cut one million single-use plastic items from its food and beverage operations since joining Boomerang Alliance’s Plastic Free Places program in November 2024.
The milestone contributes to Griffith’s target of eliminating single-use plastic across food outlets, catering and non-medical consumables by 2030.
In addition to complying with Queensland’s ban on single-use plastic items such as straws, stirrers, plates, bowls, and cutlery, Griffith is transitioning away from single-use plastic coffee cups and lids, cold beverage cups and lids, water bottles, takeaway containers and lids from key parts of its operations.
The program was driven by Boomerang Alliance Plastic Free Places Coordinator and Solving Plastic Waste Cooperative Research Centre PhD Candidate Katie Barton-Harvey, whose research examined plastic waste solutions.
“Plastic-free solutions can be better for human health, reduce waste to landfill, lower costs for businesses and, importantly, keep plastic out of our environment,” Ms Barton-Harvey said.
“Griffith has demonstrated what is possible when an organisation takes the next step toward sustainability, committing to be Plastic Free by 2030 in its sustainability strategy.
“The journey to be plastic-free takes time and can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and collective efforts.
“Partnering with Boomerang Alliance’s Plastic Free Places built strong, collaborative relationships with their food outlets and industry partners.”
Griffith University Environmental Manager Mark Grant said Griffith was committed to continuous improvement and determined to make a difference.
“Our hospitality outlets were compliant under the Queensland Government Plastic Bans prior to 2024, but we wanted to do more,” Mr Grant said.
Griffith launched the Gold Coast’s first reusable coffee cup swap system, allowing users to borrow a reusable cup from participating cafes and return it to a campus Drop Pod after use.
The cups are then cleaned and reused, helping to reduce single-use cup waste.
“We are proud to be the first organisation on the Gold Coast to implement a reusable coffee cup system and encourage all students, staff and visitors to help make a difference by getting their coffee in a reusable coffee cup,” Mr Grant said.
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