Australians are known for their ingenuity—whether it’s making do with what we’ve got, or finding clever ways to save a few bucks.

But a recent discovery at a Melbourne cafe has sparked a lively debate online, with some Aussies applauding the creativity, and others left wrinkling their noses (literally).

It all started with a curious post from a regular cafe-goer who spotted something a little out of the ordinary during their morning coffee run.


Instead of the usual setup, their takeaway order came in a homemade creation that had fellow Aussies doing a double-take.

The DIY solution sparked a wave of amused—and divided—reactions online.


The poster explained, ‘I appreciated them using rubbish for something useful before it gets turfed or recycled.

Though I think they also want less stuff in their bins haha.’ And honestly, who can blame them? With the cost of everything on the rise—including those humble takeaway trays, which apparently can set a business back about 20 cents each—every little bit helps.

The online response was as divided as a family dinner when someone brings up politics.


Many commenters were all for the idea, praising the cafe’s resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability.

‘That is one way of reusing!’ one person cheered. Another, a former cafe owner, admitted, ‘Trays are really quite pricey… Wish I’d thought of it!’

Others pointed out that this isn’t just a Melbourne quirk. ‘This is suuuper common in WA, I’m surprised so many people are seeing it for the first time!’ said one.

Another chimed in, ‘I’ve seen this in both Perth and Adelaide.

It’s not anything new, and should be more common given how much of the alternative milks are used, and that none (AFAIK) come in recyclable packaging.’

It’s a fair point—many alternative milk cartons aren’t easily recyclable, so giving them a second life as a coffee tray could be a win for the environment and the bottom line.

Of course, not everyone was convinced. Some questioned whether the time and effort required to clean, cut, and tape the cartons was really worth it.

‘Feels like so much effort to clean them, cut them, then tape them just to use as a tray, which is cheap and recycled/recyclable anyway?’ one sceptic wrote.

Others raised concerns about hygiene and practicality. ‘Using a lot of hot water and soap to clean them first… not sure if that makes environmental sense,’ another pointed out.

And then there’s the issue of lingering milk smells—no one wants their flat white to come with a side of sour odour.

This debate taps into a broader conversation about sustainability, waste, and the small changes businesses (and individuals) can make to reduce their environmental footprint.

With Australia generating millions of tonnes of packaging waste each year, every little bit of reuse helps.

And for cafes, where margins are tight and costs are rising, finding creative ways to cut down on expenses can make a real difference.

But as some commenters noted, it’s important to weigh up the environmental benefits against the extra labour and resources required.
Have you spotted any clever money-saving or eco-friendly tricks at your local cafe? Would you be happy to have your coffee served in a repurposed milk carton tray, or do you prefer the traditional carriers? And for those who’ve worked in hospitality, do you think this is a practical solution, or more trouble than it’s worth? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

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