The Future of Sustainable Events in Tasmania
Innovative Partnership Launches Pilot Program for Reusables at Tasmanian Events.
In a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainability and reduce waste, two pioneering social enterprises, the Victorian company B-Alternative and Tasmania MALVA Sustainable Living, have joined forces to launch a pilot program introducing reusable solutions at events across Tasmania.
This collaboration is set to revolutionize how events are managed, highlighting Tasmania's commitment to environmental stewardship and efforts to move to circular economy strategies by reducing waste.
The initiative is in its first stage of organising meetings with possible stakeholders, including Councils, and aims to be rolled out for the upcoming spring and summer festival season.
B-Alternative planted the seed for a reusable Tasmania at Zero Waste Events Tasmania (ZWET) hosted by Visit North Tasmania in Launceston in 2023 where they showcased the impact of implementing reusables at events. B-Alternative Founder Jace Rahilly explains, "we consistently see waste reduced by anywhere between 60-95% at events that implement reusables. Not only does this create better environmental outcomes, it also leads to savings for event organisers on their waste management bills."
According to Tourism Tasmania, the economic impact generated by visitors travelling to Tasmania for events equates to $303 million over the past 12 months. However, reusables have not been effectively implemented across the state as an effective and beneficial way to reduce waste. We need to see systems like this implemented to help maintain a sustainable and thriving tourism industry, and contribute to protecting our environment, way of life, and the things that make Tasmania a special place.
Key Highlights of the Reuse Revolution System:
Reusable Cups and Plates: Attendees will be served food and beverages in reusable cups and plates, significantly reducing the use of single-use plastic and compostable items that are no longer recommended for disposal in FOGO programs.
Educational Campaign: Event grounds educators will provide information to attendees about the importance of reducing waste and how they can participate in the initiative.
Waste Audit Reports: The program will gather data on resource diversion and waste reduction, which will be used to refine and expand the initiative at future events.
"I am thrilled to partner with B-Alternative on this critical and challenging initiative. My work is to engage with key stakeholders, reuse the existing resources, and pilot an event to build a solid foundation for event managers and waste officers."
- Milca Perez, Sustainable Community Award Winner and founder of MALVA
Want To Get Involved?
If you'd like to participate in this initiative, get in touch to see how we can make your event or festival a sustainable one!
Milca Perez
tasmania@b-alternative.com
