Bondi SWAP & WASH on the Channel 9 News

The Channel 9 News team recently came to Bondi to chat to some of the people and businesses taking part in our SWAP & WASH pilot, including Waverley Mayor, Paula Masselos, food partner, Flave and our founder, Naomi. Watch the full news story above.

This story originally aired on Channel 9 News on 14 April 2023.

Full transcript from 9 news story

Georgie Gardner (9 News Reader): Australians get, on average, four and a half million takeaway meals a day, almost all of them packed in plastic containers. In their own small but important way, one Sydney Council is fighting back with a Bring Your Own experiment, hoping it can lead to bigger things.

Elizabeth Bryan (9 News Reporter) First, there was the KeepCup. Now takeaway food is at the centre of the reusable revolution.

Paula Masselos (Mayor of Waverley): We've already managed to reduce plastic bags, plastic straws so now it's time to get rid of these takeaway containers.

Elizabeth: Waverley Council in New South Wales will trial the SWAP & WASH program for the next six weeks customers in seven Bondi restaurants can purchase takeaway in reusable containers when they next come back they return it is and it's swapped for another that's been hygienic ly clean.

Naomi Tarszisz (rePlated CEO): This sort of program gives assurance to everybody, both the customer and to the restaurant.

Elizabeth: A steady take up of locals choosing to reuse.

Marissa (Customer): It's just a bit of a mindset shift. And we all need to do that.

Elizabeth: The Environmental Protection Authority is funding the trial with a third of rubbish ending up on beaches in the Waverley area takeaway containers. Start-up rePlated is now in talks with other Sydney councils.

Dr Trevor Thornton (Environmental Consultant): It’s a worldwide trend. Australia's just got to catch up and this type of program happening in Bondi is a great start.

Elizabeth: The pilot is on until the end of May [2023] beyond that it will be up to the businesses involved to decide whether or not they continue to sell the containers.

Jake Patane (Flave Restaurant): We hope to lead the way not only for our guests, but for other businesses as well. And I think that this is the only way. That it will build up and hopefully become the norm.

Elizabeth: Elizabeth Bryan nine news.