How can you help reduce your use of single use plastics?
When you are out and about here are some single use plastic items you can avoid:
Water bottles
Use a reusable water bottle and refill from the many permanent water fountains on the Northern Beaches.
Coffee cups
Enjoy your coffee in the cafe or take your reusable coffee cup instead of using a takeaway coffee cup. Check the Responsible Cafe map to find a cafe near you that accepts reusable cups. Use one of the 'swap and go' coffee systems.
Food containers
Take your own food container when buying takeaway food. Why not also take your own cutlery, just add a couple of pieces to a cutlery pouch.
Produce plastic bags
Don't wait until these are banned. Buy some reusable mesh produce bags for your fruit and veg when shopping rather that using disposable plastic bags.
Plastic soy sauce fish containers
July 2026, a number of Manly sushi businesses have swapped the plastic soy sauce fish containers for compostable soy droppers. Contact Surfrider Foundation Northern Beaches to see if they can encourage your local sushi business to follow suit.
Recycling single use plastics
Visit A to Z guide on recycling of plastic bags and plastic packaging.
Watch our videos for more ways to reduce single use plastics
- How to make beeswax wraps
- Switch to reusable cloth nappies