Responsible Cafes SRP
Source Reduction Plan (SRP) Overview
Name of SRP
Partners Delivering the SRP
- Responsible Cafes
- In association with Tangaroa Blue and other environmental organisations Take 3, the Two Hands Project, Surfrider Foundation Australia, Positive Change for Marine Life, Transition Bondi, Transition Margaret River
Location
The original project took place in Sydney (2012), and is now open to businesses across Australia
Photo 1
Evidence of the issue
Photo 2
Evidence of SRP resources
Photo 3
Evidence of positive outcomes
Overall Goals & Background
Targeted Debris
Takeaway cups and lids
Why is the SRP needed?
1 billion takeaway cups and lids are landfilled or littered each year in Australia and, contrary to popular belief, they are not easily recyclable, many have a plastic lining, and only rarely composted due to inadequate industrial composting facilities.
Some of these bits of debris end up on beaches and cause harm to marine life.
This program aims to reduce the number of takeaway cups and lids used by getting participating cafes to offer discounts to customers who bring reusable cups.
Logistics
Timeline and Project Goals
2012 – present day
The Responsible Cafes Program connects responsible cafes with conscious consumers by encouraging cafes to offer discounts to customers with reusable takeaway cups.
By giving a discount to customers who bring their own reusable cups, the Responsible Cafes Program saves money and reduces waste at the same time. This not only incentivises customers to do the right thing but increases awareness of the issues surrounding single-use waste and nurtures a culture of reuse.
Measuring Success
Responsible cafes now has hundreds of cafes and supporting organisations involved with the project. They also help cafes find sustainable suppliers, work with councils and on waste education programs.
Data Collection & Reporting
Results and Reflections
Positive Outcomes
The Responsible Cafe program started with a simple vintage-style poster (in A3, A4, or A5 sizes), a small sticker for storefront display, an information sheet outlining the issue, and a video on the benefits of the program.
The program has now had many cafes across the country sign up and use their resources
Funding
Challenges & Improvements
Future Opportunities
Responsible Cafes is now a national programme, working across different areas of waste reduction for cafes.
