San Remo's Fisherman's Co-op integrates sustainable practices
Fishermen bring reusable containers for their catch and broken fishing nets back to shore. Surrounded by the coastal green scenery of Gippsland, San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op (the Co-op) was formed in 1948 to meet the needs of fishermen by providing storage, fuel and bait. Over the years, the Co-op has added a fresh seafood outlet and a fish and chip shop overlooking the channel and Western Port. For the last decade, the Co-op has integrated sustainable practices into its business operations.
What it means for the business
The Co-op is committed to reducing waste. They sell fish and chips in cardboard containers and wooden cutlery and paper straws are provided only upon request. Reusable woven bags or insulated bags for fresh seafood are sold at the Co-op, and any large cardboard boxes from suppliers are reused for customers to take away large orders. They have removed single-use plastic water and soft drink bottles and offer takeaway drinks in cans or glass bottles. The Co-op also sells reusable stainless steel water bottles which are very popular among tourists.
“If something is destined for a bin, it’s great to get as many uses out of it as we can first, even if it’s something as simple as a cardboard box. We are proud to be turning our back on single use plastics and hope that we can inspire others to do the same."
Additionally, the Co-op does not sell imported seafood and only offers locally caught, low-mile produce. According to the general manager Paul Mannix, fishermen are the caretakers of the sea, and they want to be sustainable in their environment. By working with San Remo Co-operative, fishermen have implemented sustainable initiatives such as bringing reusable containers for their catch and bringing broken fishing nets back to shore.
What it means for customers
The community provides San Remo Co-op with remarkable support by bringing reusable items such as containers and eskies for takeaway. Many new customers, especially tourists, love the sustainability initiatives, often complimenting their efforts. More than 100,000 customers visit the Co-op every year, they are hopeful their actions inspire customers and the community to be more eco-conscious.
The impact
Now they supply fresh sea food in reusable tubs instead of polystyrene boxes. As a result, the Co-op has saved thousands of expanded polystyrene containers and plastic bottles becoming waste.
What’s next?
The Co-op is always striving to minimise plastics, reduce waste and implement reuse systems. The Co-op also has solar panels on the roof that produce 20% of the energy they use and this year they will fill their remaining roof space with more solar panels to increase their electricity generation to 34%. “I wish we had more roof space!” says Paul.