If you think plastic bottle tops are useless and only belong in the bin, think again.
Incredibly, the small recyclable lids can be transformed into artificial limbs.
Bella Cibo, a small eco-friendly family business at Caringbah and Jannali, is spreading the word that bottle tops can have a wider purpose for kids in need.
The Italian food company collects bottle tops that are re-used and made into prosthetics for children in war torn countries by using 3D printers.
It is for a project based in Victoria, launched by an organisation called Envision. They shred the tops, which are then fed through an extruder, which produces an ink-like filament. It is then used in conjunction with 3D software to print the mobility aids.
The Caringbah shop is Sydney's only collection point.
Bella Ciba owner Pardip Pillai says their take-away and home delivery service has a huge focus on environmental sustainability.
For instance, food scraps are collected for commercial industrial grade composting, all packaging is plastic free, and customers who bring their own containers get a discount.
"We're pleased to be involved in this project as its helping others all while caring for our environment, aligning with the core values of our business," she said.
"Bottle caps are essentially fully recyclable, but unfortunately, they aren't being recycled. They get sent to landfill because they fall through the machinery.
"We have made tremendous efforts to reduce the impact our food service has on the environment.
"Our goal is not just to get as close as possible to a zero waste business, but to also create long term sustainable business practices that can show other businesses that you can reduce costs, and become more profitable by adopting practices that don't harm our future generations."
Several organisations in Sutherland Shire have jumped on board the project, including Miranda Kindergarten, cafes, Renata's Family Day Care, War on Waste Sutherland Shire, So Shire and Bella Cibo's customers.
Milk, soft drink and water bottles are in need, and can be dropped off at shop 8/27 Mansfield Avenue, Caringbah.
