Fresh Food, Less Polystyrene Waste: The Esky Library Trial’s Second Rotation Success
Last Friday (21st Feb 2025), we successfully completed the second rotation of the Esky Library Trial, continuing to test replacing single-use polystyrene packaging with reusable eskies in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT).
The Impact So Far
• 28 reusable eskies were used in this freight cycle
• Diverting approx. 1,288L of polystyrene waste from entering the island’s waste stream
• This brings the total saved so far to 2,208L of polystyrene waste—the equivalent of 9 overflowing garbage bins!
Pictured: Trial participants happily received their reusable esky last Friday.
How the Esky Trial Works
Each participant receives their fresh food order in our reusable KoolPak eskies and completes surveys and data collection about their experience with each order. Via the tracking app, we receive invaluable information about the number of uses of each esky and the internal temperature reading of the eskies- a critical satisfaction point when dealing with fresh food deliveries in the tropics!
We had lots of lovely feedback, along with constructive comments too – a great result for the second week of the trial.
One participant mentioned, “For the first time in 12 years – I had a polystyrene-free freight delivery- which somewhat appeased my guilt for importing food with its environmental footprint.”
Pictured: Trial participant collecting their food delivery
About the IOT Esky Library Initiative Trial
Expanded polystyrene is a major contributor to marine debris in the IOT, with the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database consistently identifying polystyrene as the top marine debris item on Christmas Island since 2011. With no recycling options, reducing or eliminating polystyrene packaging arriving regularly on the island would significantly improve environmental outcomes for this region.
The Esky Library aims to replace single-use expanded polystyrene eskies with a sustainable, reusable alternative, thereby significantly reducing polystyrene waste and extending the lifespan of local landfill resources. The library will operate as a centralised resource where individuals and businesses can borrow a reusable esky, mitigating the need for disposable polystyrene packaging.
Collaboration Drives the Esky Library Trial Forward
A big thank you to each of our participants – your ongoing insights are invaluable as we work toward achieving the best possible outcome from this trial. We also extend our gratitude to Phosphate Resources Limited, Hambleys IGA, FreightShop, and Altitude Island Logistics for their ongoing support and dedication to this initiative.
The trial will continue until April 2025, with the ultimate goal of expanding the service to all IOT residents and businesses. Stay tuned for more updates in the next freight cycle!
Images by Megs Powell.
