The City of Sydney has enlisted leading companies to join its pledge to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across their businesses.

More than 30 organisations have so far taken the new environmental pledge, including the Sydney Opera House, Atlassian, Fox Studios and Star Entertainment Group.

Under the pledge, businesses commit to implementing at least four actions that will reduce reliance on single-use plastic items.

That commitment means there will be fewer plastic bottles, straws, throwaway cups and food utensils at a growing number of Sydney hotels, entertainment venues, markets, festivals, major events and outdoor spaces.
 
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the pledge shows Sydney businesses are determined to reduce the devastating effect single-use plastics are having on the environment.
 
“Acting together, we can reduce our impact on the environment and show the world that Sydney businesses are leading the way to a zero waste future,” the Lord Mayor said.

She acknowledged that recycling plays an important role in managing waste, but said attention should also be placed on reduction and avoidance.

“Studies show that up to 1 million plastic drinks bottles are purchased globally every minute, but less than 50 per cent are collected for recycling.
 
“Plastic straws can last up to 600 years and many end up in our beautiful harbour and waterways. It is shameful that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

“The City has set bold targets to reach zero waste by 2030. We must reduce the amount of waste we produce, recycle as much as possible and treat what’s left over in the most sustainable way.

“I congratulate the businesses who have signed up to this pledge, and I urge others to get on board and commit to phasing out single-use plastic because it’s better for business and better for the environment.”

The City of Sydney has taken a platinum pledge, committing to phasing out seven single-use items in its buildings, at its own venues and at events within the local government area. The City will eliminate or reduce the use of bottled water, plastic straws, plastic serve ware, including expanded polystyrene, plastic utensils, promotional flyers, plastic single-use sampling or giveaways, and single-use cups.

Ashley Hayes, product excellence and social responsibility manager at Merlin Entertainments, said the company is committed to reducing their impact on the environment across the board.
 
“We have seen first-hand the direct impact plastic has on marine life through our recently opened Animal Rescue Centre at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium,” Ms Hayes said.
 
“The first rescue patient was a green sea turtle named Matilda who was found struggling and underweight. While Matilda was successfully nursed back to health and released back into the wild in April, her rescue reinforces the devastating impact that plastic pollution is having on marine life who mistake plastic for food.
 
“Like many of our guests, we’re concerned about the negative environmental impact associated with the disposal of single-use plastic, such as plastic straws, bags and packaging. Supporting this pledge is another step in the right direction to ensure we continue to assess how we minimise the use of plastics within our business.”
 
The City has developed guidelines to help everyone using its venues and outdoor space find sustainable alternatives to single-use items and ensure that where waste is generated, recycling is maximised. 
 
Businesses interested in viewing Sydney’s pledge form can find it online here. 

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