Single-use plastics across 60 restaurants and bars, seven hotels and three corporate offices will be phased out or significantly reduced as part of a newly outlined sustainability strategy by The Star Entertainment Group.
The initiative will see more than 7.5 million straws, cutlery, packaging and other single-use items removed from circulation each year. In place, sustainable Forest Stewardship Council certified wood and biodegradables will take their place.
In a phased rollout, The Star properties in Sydney and Brisbane have this month removed plastic straws from operations in favour of paper straws, while the transition is nearing completion at The Star Gold Coast. All three properties will be fitted with plumbed still and sparkling water fountains to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Biodegradable cups are also being trialled along with alternatives to plastic packaging.
On a wider level, the group is on track to achieve its ten-year plan to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 per cent by 2023. In the time since this initiative was launched, the group has reduced its carbon footprint by 17 per cent per square metre. Other smaller efforts across the group’s individual outlets include recycling Nespresso coffee pods, donating 2,631kgs of soaps to Soap Aid, donating nearly 14,000kgs of food to OzHarvest and over 8,500 kgs of linen, towels and bathrobes to women’s refuges and clothing shelters.
The Star Entertainment Group CEO, Matt Bekier, said the organisation was working closely with staff and suppliers to source appropriate alternatives for plastic products.
“Our pledge to remove single-use plastics from hotels, restaurants and bars is another step in our sustainability journey; one that includes reducing our carbon emissions and water intensity while increasing recycling rates across our properties.”