How we’re replacing disposable plastics with biodegradable alternatives
As the devastating impact of plastic waste continues to hit the headlines, at the Belgrade Theatre, we’re committed to doing our bit to reduce our own footprint with a range of new waste-reduction policies.
Since June 2018, we’ve been working to cut down on single-use plastics in our café and bars. Here are six ways we’ve reduced our use of disposable plastics.
1) Coffee Cups
Traditional single-use coffee cups combine plastic and paper elements, making them difficult to recycle. Our new plant-based coffee cups are 100% biodegradable, made using renewable and/or recycled materials with no plastic content whatsoever.
2) Pint & half-pint drinks cups
It’s not just coffee drinkers who’ll be able to enjoy a guilt-free drink here at the Belgrade. Our plastic pint and half-pint cups are now made from sustainable, compostable materials from renewable, low carbon-footprint sources. They’re also fully recyclable.
3) Straws
Disposable plastic straws have come under considerable fire in recent campaigns for waste reduction. Under our new eco-friendly policy, straws have been removed from the bars in an attempt to reduce usage altogether. Those requiring a straw will still be able to request one from bar staff, however, who will be happy to offer one of our new, fully compostable, plant-based PLA straws.
4) Salad Bowls
Just like the plastic cups, our current transparent plastic salad bowls will also be replaced with sustainable biodegradable containers.
5) Bin Liners
In place of standard plastic bin bags, we’ll be switching to recycled polythene black liners. We’re also reducing our bin liner usage by emptying several bins out into a larger bags, rather than lining multiple bins and having to keep replacing the bags.
6) Milk Cartons
Instead of individual two-litre milk cartons, our catering team will now be purchasing milk in purgals – large, 24-pint boxes that can be placed directly into a machine which then pours the milk into reusable jugs.
This new strategy forms part of a wider commitment to improving sustainability and caring for the environment. Introduced in 2008, our Striving to be Green project has involved the establishment of an in-house Green Team, including a representative from each department, who will explore ways of cutting down on waste in their respective teams.