Mocha Jo’s cafe in Glen Waverley
Refillers Welcome sticker
Yarra Valley Water is encouraging cafes to join the Refiller movement, offering free tap water refills to thirsty Melburnians – and do their bit to help reduce plastic waste.
Mocha Jo’s cafe in Glen Waverley has joined the Choose Tap’s Refiller campaign, marking a milestone as the 250th cafe to join the movement.
The cafe proudly displays the blue ‘Refillers Welcome’ sticker in their window, letting people know they can pop in and fill up their water bottle or grab a glass of water for free.
Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager Strategy and Community, Tiffany White, said it was fantastic to see more businesses in Victoria having a positive environmental impact and reducing plastic waste.
“Refiller cafes now span across 89 suburbs, encouraging people to reduce their single-use plastic footprint by making tap water more accessible,” Ms White said.
“The spread of Refiller venues now extends right across our service area, which stretches from Wallan in the north to Warburton in the east.”
Mocha Jo’s Supervisor Dom Xaiz said they were thrilled to join the initiative.
“We’re always more than happy for people to drop in for a free refill or to grab a glass of water, so it was a no brainer for us,” he said.
“It’s an easy way we can do our bit for the environment and help people access drinking water on the go.”
“And you never know, one day someone might come in for the free water and stay for our delicious coffee!” Mr Xaiz said.
Ms White said Refiller was all about making it easier for customers to make a sustainable choice.
Developed in response to research that indicates people buy bottled water mainly for convenience, the initiative aims to change that mindset by increasing the accessibility of free tap water in public areas.
“We know many people always choose tap water at home and at work – it’s not surprising given the high-quality water we have here in Melbourne,” Ms White said.
“But we also know people can be caught out needing to buy bottled water when out and about. By removing that convenience barrier, Refiller can help them make a more sustainable choice.”
“Bottled water is often used for only a few minutes but plastic can remain in waterways and streets for decades, so every bottle saved from landfill makes a difference,” Ms White said.
Go to the Yarra Valley Water website to see the full list of Refiller suburbs and find your closest café, or email choosetap@yvw.com.au to request an information pack.
Mayor of Maroondah, Councillor Rob Steane OMA, said the program is expected to save the Council 3 million litres of drinking water per year on an ongoing basis.
“Recycled water keeps our green public spaces looking wonderful and lush. While it’s not suited for drinking, it’s perfect for irrigating grass, and trees in areas such as parks, sporting facilities and golf courses,” he said. “This project benefits Maroondah Council as it provides drought-proof use of the reserve for the local community.”
Level Crossing Removal Project Program Director Steve Brown said the water offset program reflected the level crossing removal project’s commitment to environmental values.
“Sustainability is at the forefront of everything we do. This innovative approach used throughout construction of level crossing removal projects allows us to reduce our water usage impacts,” he said. “Through this partnership, we’re not only helping to offset water use for the Maroondah community, but we’re also setting a water-saving precedent for future large-scale projects in the community.”
