If you enjoy sushi or a cheeky takeaway, you might want to savour your next meal a little more—because some of those familiar extras are about to disappear from your order.

A fresh round of single-use plastic bans is rolling out, with iconic items like the tiny soy sauce fish packets set to swim off into the sunset for good.


From 1 September, South Aussies will have to say goodbye to more than just the beloved soy sauce fish.

The new ban also covers straws attached to drink containers, and those handy little spoons and forks that come with pre-packaged foods.

Even plastic fruit stickers aren’t safe! If you’re used to popping a plastic-stickered apple in your lunchbox, you’ll soon be seeing compostable or paper alternatives instead.


South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close explained the move: ‘These bans encourage reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives. South Australians are increasingly looking at ways to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, which devastate our environment.’

This isn’t the first time South Australia has taken bold steps to protect the environment. In fact, the state has been a trailblazer in the fight against plastic pollution.

Just last year, the government banned plastic-stemmed cotton buds, pizza savers (those little white tripods in your pizza box), single-use plates and bowls, and a host of other items.


The year before, it was plastic bags, balloon sticks and ties, confetti, bread tags, and even single-use coffee cups and lids.

Since 2021, local businesses have helped remove more than eight million single-use plastic items from circulation.

That’s a huge win for the environment—and a testament to the power of community action.

If you’re worried about how you’ll enjoy your sushi or fruit salad on the go, don’t panic just yet.

The government is working closely with businesses to help them transition to more sustainable options.

Many cafes and restaurants have already made the switch to compostable or reusable alternatives, and the state is offering support programs to help others follow suit.

Elliott Horner from Evergreen Deli, nestled in the Adelaide Botanic Garden, summed it up perfectly: ‘Being nestled within Adelaide Botanic Garden, environmental consciousness is our constant companion, as we care for the very place we call home.’

South Australia isn’t alone in this push. Other states, including New South Wales and Victoria, have also introduced bans on various single-use plastics.

The movement is gaining momentum nationwide, with more and more Aussies embracing the idea of reducing waste and protecting our beautiful landscapes.

Single-use plastics are a major contributor to pollution, harming wildlife and clogging up our waterways and oceans.

Those tiny soy sauce fish might seem harmless, but multiplied by millions, they add up to a big problem.

By switching to reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives, we can all do our bit to keep Australia clean and green for future generations.

With each new ban, we’re moving closer to a future where single-use plastics are a thing of the past.

It might mean a few small changes to our daily routines, but the benefits for our environment—and our grandchildren—are well worth it.
Have you already made the switch to reusable cutlery or containers? Or do you have a clever tip for reducing plastic waste in your own life? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.

Read more: We’re tossing billions of these tiny plastics each year—so why are they still stuck to our fruit?