Ban the plastic

Hobart City Council Alderman Bill Harvey with compostable cups and packaging. Picture: ROSS MARSDEN

ENVIRONMENTALISTS are pushing for a ban on the use of polystyrene and non-biodegradable plastic plates and cutlery by Hobart cafes and takeaways.

Hobart City Council Greens alderman Bill Harvey said he was dismayed by the number of inner-city food retailers still using such packaging when there were so many compostable alternatives available.

Ald Harvey said some eateries even offered single-use plates and cutlery for meals eaten inside the venue.

"I would like to see all cafes and takeaway places start to use compostable packaging rather than petroleum based plastics, which never disintegrate," Ald Harvey said. "We need legislation that phases out both Styrofoam and plastic.

"The only excuse people have is the cost but the cost of compostable [plates and cutlery] will come down as more people switch," he said, adding that although plastic products were cheaper, they wreaked havoc on the environment.

Jon Dee from Do Something! said "there is no excuse" for restaurants to use single-use plastics for food that is eaten in.

"That's just lazy ... there is this wonderful invention called a ceramic plate that is very useful, it can be washed and used again and again," he said. He urged customers to vote with their feet on the issue.

Robert Mallett from the Tasmanian Small Business Council said his organisation would "fully support" the initiative "as long as it is affordable".

"As an aspirational target we should probably look at it but there should be absolutely no moves to impose such a ban until such time as [compostable alternatives] become realistically affordable," Mr Mallett said.

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