Overview
If you're putting in a conscious effort to ditch single-use plastic and cut down on waste, here's an initiative that should make life a little easier. Yarra Valley Water has teamed up with a bunch of cafes and restaurants in Melbourne's north for its Choose Tap Refiller program, which offers free water bottle refills for those on the move in an effort to encourage greener habits.
More than 30 businesses across the likes of Brunswick, Northcote, Coburg, Thornbury and Preston are currently signed up and displaying the Choose Tap logo in their front windows, including popular haunts like Welcome to Brunswick, Pachamama Wholefoods, Red Bean Cafe and Tinker. If you see that sticker, you'll know that you're welcome to head on in and get your reusable bottle refilled with tap water for free, even if you're not purchasing anything.
The campaign aims to help people cut down on buying bottled water by making it easier to keep their reusable vessels full and stay hydrated on the go. No more being left high and dry simply because you feel a bit guilty asking a cafe for a refill when you're not a customer.
Red Bean Cafe by Andrew Tauber
"We know Australians use around 130 kilograms of plastic per person each year and this is a small step in the right direction will help to reduce this number. We are grateful to these hospitality venues who are participating," said Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Pat McCafferty.
If you're out and about and hunting for a planet-friendly hydration station, head to the Choose Tap website to see the full list of participating venues.
Yarra Valley's Choose Tap program is now available at more than 30 inner north venues. For more information, see the Choose Tap website.