In 2017, the Corner Hotel in Richmond embarked on a mission to minimize the use of single-use items and joined the Plastic Free July initiative. One particular focus of their campaign was plastic straws.
During the final week of June, the Corner Hotel ceased all orders of plastic straws and eliminated them from behind all 5 counters. They also made sure to remove any promotional materials that depicted drinks with straws. However, they continued to provide a small quantity of flexible straws for customers with disabilities.
Following the first weekend, the Corner Hotel made a significant decision to no longer automatically include plastic straws with beverages. This choice has remained unwavering for 5 years, and the business has stood by it.
Customer Feedback
Initially, the response from customers was mixed. While some congratulated the staff and the venue for their initiative, others sought more information regarding the decision to eliminate plastic straws.
The Corner Hotel, however, responded consistently and approached the matter with a dedicated stance. Over the course of a few months, customers adapted to the change and gradually stopped requesting straws. Staff members have noted that customers now comprehend the significance of reducing plastic waste, which has become a growing movement. They understand that this change positively impacts the planet.
The Impact
According to estimations by the Corner Hotel, they have successfully prevented 3,000,000 single-use plastic straws from ending up in landfills. Additionally, they have saved approximately 1,200 hours of paid labor that would have been spent cleaning up plastic straw litter. The business has also managed to reduce their contribution to emissions resulting from the production, packaging, and delivery of straws on a weekly basis.
What’s Next?
The Corner Hotel takes pride in its support of Green Music Australia. In addition, they have implemented solar panels, adjusted their menu to incorporate more locally sourced food and beverages, introduced four recycling streams, and switched to energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
Currently, the Corner Hotel is actively working on a Green Action Plan. This plan will establish goals for further waste reduction and carbon offset projects, reflecting their ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
