Moving Towards Zero Waste

Carrying your own drink bottle, having a keep cup, and using your own bag or jars for groceries are just a few of the simple ways people can help reduce plastic and waste.

In fact, single-use plastics are amongst the biggest challenges we face when it comes to caring for our environment.

‘It’s become the norm to purchase food pre-packaged in single use plastic. Theres no accountability for the large companies and supermarkets selling the majority of their food this way,’ says Kirsty Quail, co-owner of The Source Bulk Foods Traralgon.

‘Water bottles and coffee cups are a huge issue with a really simple solution – carry your own reusable drink bottle and coffee cup or take the time to sit down and enjoy your coffee in the café.’

The Source Traralgon was opened in March 2019 and is locally owned by Simon and Kirsty Quail – who share a passion for sustainability and wholefoods, supporting local producers and growers, and advocating for residents to contribute to the zero-waste movement.

‘We love supporting Australian producers and growers and also love that the support team are constantly working with our suppliers to source Australian products as much as possible and working directly with the growers and freight companies to reduce the amount of single use packaging,’ Kirsty said.

‘Our customers have contributed to the zero-waste movement, in the last year they have helped save 102,900 kg’s of packaging waste from landfill and have saved 10,290,000 plastic bags from production!’

Kirsty said it was easy for people to do their part to reduce waste- whether it be by carefully choosing where and how they shop or just having meaningful conversations with businesses and suppliers that lead to positive changes.

‘Where you can, shop at bulk food stores, local green grocers and local butchers. Try to avoid pre-packaged fruit and vegetables- this is such a frustrating use of single use plastic!’ Kirsty said.

‘In regard to businesses, talk to your suppliers. The best thing you can do is open the conversation around reducing your waste!’

Kirsty said there has been some advancements in Victorian practices that have made a huge impact on plastic waste.

‘Little changes can make a huge difference- like banning items such as single use straws, plastic cutlery, and polystyrene food containers. The introduction of the container deposit scheme is a step in the right direction to a circular economy,’ Kirsty said.

‘Improvements are being made to household and commercial recycling systems, governments are sourcing more goods made from recycled materials, and waste is being used to generate energy. Theres a long way to go but we are seeing some positive changes being implemented.’

Kirsty said that at The Source Bulk Foods Traralgon, an array of ingredients is delivered the way food ought to be –  not packaged in plastic or unnecessary waste.

‘Take only what you need, refill your favourite honey jar, connect with the source of your food and embrace a better way to shop,’ Kirsty said.

There are plenty of items  to choose from, including health food options, pantry staples, snacks and more. There are more than 350 amazing bulk products including oils, nuts, seeds, grains, herbs, flours, spices, dried fruit, superfoods, health foods, Paleo cereal, protein powders, cooking ingredients, Australian chia seeds, organic gluten-free pastas, raw organic cacao products, a full range of cleaning products, delicious chocolates and sweets, a big selection of vegan products, quinoa – including Australian quinoa, Organic raw coconut oil and much more.

‘We encourage you to bring your own reusable containers and to purchase as little or as much as you need. This is waste-free grocery shopping at it’s very best!’ Kirsty said.

‘One of my favourite sayings is from Anne Marie Bonneau who said, ‘We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly, we need millions of people doing is imperfectly.”