Edith Cowan University (ECU) will begin phasing out single-use plastic water bottles and straws across all of its campuses from the start of semester two.
It follows initiatives on the east coast from the Universities of Canberra, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast and Monash University.
Related stories:
- Experts react to single-use plastic ban
- New app links cafes and charities to fight food waste
- WA community waste management grants help grassroots action
ECU said it believes it is the first Western Australian University to limit the use of plastic water bottles on campus.
The phase out will be done as part of a staged approach to restrict single-use plastic water bottles. Beginning with around 40 events it holds on its campuses, ECU will instead provide water refill stations.
The university is also investigating solutions including an increase to the number of water fountains on campus, offering free or discounted multi-use water bottles on campus and discussing with commercial tenants for alternatives to single-use bottles.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman said it was a big step forward for the University.
“With around 30,000 students and 1800 staff, we can make a huge difference by taking this first step to limit single-use plastic water bottles at our campus events,” Professor Chapman said.
“It’s also financially responsible. More than 90 per cent of the cost of bottled water can be traced back to the bottle, lid and label.
“This is not a ban. This is about education and providing alternatives. By offering high quality, convenient options to students, staff and visitors, we are confident we can reduce the demand for single-use plastic water bottles on our campuses.