An innovative new program could help Queensland shed its title of Australia’s most littered state.

Queensland has taken aim at its litter problem with introduction of a Container Refund Scheme and plastic bag ban this year, but one council is taking it further.

Plastic Free Noosa is a pilot project focusing on systematic, source reduction of disposable, single-use plastics.

The project works with individuals and businesses to help them switch from single-use plastics to better alternatives and is supported by Noosa Shire Council.

“Choosing to become plastic free is an ideal that can be embraced by communities anywhere,” says Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington.

“It’s really about accepting that behaviour change is not only possible, but in the case of plastics use, inevitable.”

The initiative is being run by the Boomerang Alliance, a national organisation representing a wide range of allied organisations focused on waste, litter and pollution issues.

The project began working with businesses in February and now has over 100 business members, with 25 of these having eliminated their plastic and been crowned ‘Plastic Free Champions’.

Champions are promoted though partnerships with local radio and newspapers, as well as recognised through social media and online.