Gisborne theatres join global 'BYOBottle' campaign

Gisborne District Council has joined the international BYOBottle campaign, with its War Memorial Theatre the first venue in New Zealand to sign up to the global initiative.

Aiming to reduce single-use plastic in its theatres, the BYOBottle campaign engages performing artists, venues, event organisers and fans to reduce plastic waste in the entertainment industry by promoting reusable water bottles and water refill stations at events.

Having joined the campaign, patrons and performers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles when attending events at the War Memorial Theatre and the soon to be reopened Lawson Field Theatre.

Gisborne District Council Cultural Activities Manager Pene Walsh says the response so far has been super positive, stating "we have been communicating with our hirers and theatre users to let them know about the changes and they have all been supportive. Every piece of single use plastic we refuse contributes to a cleaner Aotearoa.”

Bottled water is no longer sold in the theatres and all drinks come in recyclable glass bottles rather than plastic. Theatre hirers are also unable to sell bottled water and are asked to encourage their crew and artists to bring their own bottles.

Musical Theatre Gisborne is the first user group to get on board with the BYOBottle campaign during their season of Mama Mia.

Polystyrene and single use plastic cups can no longer be brought into the venue.

Theatre staff are working with hirers to convert from disposable cups to reusable ceramic and glass cups.

Hirers have also been asked to consider alternatives to individually packaged food items or to consider recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

Council Waste Minimisation Facilitator Darnelle Timbs says it is exciting to see Council theatres show leadership with this initiative, adding "encouraging water refills and tap water is a great step in the right direction and we hope to see other venues around the district and country follow suit to turn the tide on plastic pollution.

“This action is particularly timely given we are now in Plastic Free July – a global movement which has inspired millions of people around the world to refuse single-use plastic.”

Image: Gisborne War Memorial Theatre, courtesy of Gisborne District Council.