The Esky Library Trial: A Community-Led Source Reduction Success!
Between February and April 2025, 23 households on Christmas Island came together to rethink how fresh food air freight is delivered, attempting to tackle the #1 item found in local beach clean-ups: polystyrene waste.
Impacts of our circular solution:
- 35 reusable eskies circulated
- 6,187L of polystyrene waste (269 foam boxes) diverted from landfill
- 100% of participants want to keep using the service
- 50+ more Indian Ocean Territory households and three businesses are ready to join
Glowing reviews from participants
With produce arriving safely, cool and fresh, over 70% of participants reported behaviour change relating to polystyrene use, proving that reusable systems can work, even in remote locations. Feedback praised the quality of deliveries, reduced waste, and the sense of shared purpose.
“For the first time in 12 years, I had a polystyrene-free freight delivery!”“I love that such a huge problem was addressed by a small group of amazing people.” Trial Participant
Pictured: Trial participant collecting their food delivery
The IOT Esky Library Initative continues...
With in-kind support from local business Altitude Island Logistics, the Esky Library will continue beyond this trial period for current participants, and plans are in motion to expand the service to more island households and remote communities.
An Innovative Esky
This initiative has been brought to life through the use of TomKat Koolpak Eskys.
The KoolPak is an environmentally responsible, light weight, durable, stackable thermally insulated container. The esky is designed with reuse in mind and has efficient proven, thermal performance to protect product keeping it safer and fresher for longer.
This source reduction plan was made possible through funding from Australian Marine Parks Grants and Phosphate Resources Limited.
Images by Megs Powell.
