As Cronulla's economy begins its recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions, local businesses are turning to sustainability in order to gain a competitive advantage.
Economic modelling conducted by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research indicates that activity in the Sutherland Shire's hospitality industry was approximately 38% lower in the September quarter when compared to the same period last year.
In order to help turn the tide, local businesses are partnering with the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce's Plastic Free Cronulla movement to participate in the Plastic Free Champions initiative.
The program, which was founded in 2019 by the Chamber and the 2020 Sutherland Shire Young Citizen of Year, Kal Glanznig, provides recognition for businesses making a concerted effort to substitute single-use plastics for more sustainable alternatives.
To become an accredited Plastic Free Champion, businesses must replace the five most commonly polluted plastics in Australia - single use plastic bags, cutlery, straws, takeaway containers and cups.
Hendrix Coffee Co are the latest café to join the ever-growing list of Plastic Free Champions, with owner Todd Rosenfeld hoping that the minor alterations made by local businesses will lead to widespread change in consumer behaviour.
"If customers see cafes and restaurants are decreasing their use of plastic, then they might start using less plastic as well" Mr Rosenfeld said.
"We're only very small, but we are just trying to do our bit."
Likewise, in the four years since purchasing the Shelly Park Shop, owner Lisa Coulston has cut all single use plastic from her café and has received an overwhelmingly positive reception from the local community.
"We've definitely received new customers and received some really good feedback from our existing customers", Ms Coulston said.
"All the cafes in Cronulla are trying to jump on board and people are now expecting that everyone should be at least making an effort to get rid of the plastic".
In the wake of COVID-19, several businesses have limited their use of reusable products such as keep cups and instead reverted back to disposables in order to stop the spread of the virus.
Hence, Mr. Glanznig and the team at Plastic Free Cronulla believe that there's never been a more important time for businesses to make the switch and become plastic-free.
"Living right next to the ocean, it's in our nature to try to do what we can to protect it." Mr Glanznig said.
"The Plastic Free Champions program just goes that extra step further and provides an incentive for consumers to support those businesses who are doing the right thing".