The simplest way to measure how much single-use plastic you avoid is by quantifying a baseline and tracking changes. Aim to collect data before you implement your reusable switches and after.  Methods for data collection include: Canteen audit (community/grassroots clubs only) Waste audits (local and large clubs only) Observational surveys Customer surveys Collection and tracking of Point of Sale (POS) data We recommend you include at least three methods, but this will depend on your capacity and needs. Decide on what data collection methods you'd like to include in the program (you can find more information in the steps below) and add this into your Action Plan.

A canteen audit is the process of running through a simple checklist that will identify the single-use plastics currently used at your club. Schedule your canteen audit at a quiet time - before or after service works best. With the help of your canteen manager, go to your canteen kitchen and run through all the items on the list. Place a tick next to them if they are provided to customers. If you can get ordering information and quantities from your canteen manager, this also helps to determine a baseline of how many items you are currently going through. Add this to the table.

Waste audits gather quantitative data by counting and weighing single-use cups and other discarded foodware items. Here is one we completed, to show you the process. If you don’t already have baseline data, you can complete an initial waste audit/s to establish this.  Waste audits work best with a clear process that has been agreed upon with relevant stakeholders. For example, your waste manager can coordinate with the cleaners to ensure rubbish bags from designated food service areas are placed in the audit area. After the audit, the bags can be left for cleaners to remove at a scheduled time. Create a schedule for waste audits and share with all relevant stakeholders. We recommend monthly audits - depending on the size, duration and patronage of your club. We have provided several resources to assist you: Instructions and on preparing and conducting waste audits. A template Job Safety and Environmental Analysis (JSEA), to identify and mitigate risks. A template Waste Audit Data Sheet, to record the data during the audit A Waste Audit Data Tracker - a spreadsheet to record the data from each audit into. You can find them in the Downloads section below. You should also consider the following logistics when planning your waste audit: Location - a place that is not accessible by customers, with enough space to complete the waste audit. Staff - depending on the size of your operations, you will need multiple staff/volunteers to assist with the process. Bin collection schedule - conduct your waste audit on a schedule that works for your cleaning staff/volunteers.

An observational survey involves watching a process or situation, and documenting what is seen or heard without directly engaging with customers. For this program, observational surveys track the number of single-use and reusable cups or foodware items used by your customers. They allow you to observe actual behaviours, and see how these change over time. Aim to conduct them at regular intervals (weekly, fortnightly or monthly) for at least one hour during peak service times, such as during games. Surveys are conducted from a discreet location close to your food service area. Ensure that the observer is unlikely to be noticed. Observational survey process The observer sets up close to the food service area. Utilise a data sheet to record observations (a template is provided below). This can be done manually by printing the sheet, or entering the data directly on a laptop. A form linked to a data collection sheet can also be used - see step 5. The observer will record the day and time of survey start and end.  During these times, customers will be observed as to whether they have purchased a drink or food item. The type of receptacle will be recorded with relation to what kind of container and whether it is single-use or reusable.  Save the data sheet and add the tally’s to a ‘Data Capture’ sheet (a template is provided in the Data Collection section of the Guide), for later data analysis. You can also utilise a form linked to the data capture sheet to enter data directly into the spreadsheet*. *To do this, copy the data entry cells in your Excel spreadsheet to clipboard. Next, open up your Word data entry sheet and place the cursor over the table. Click the arrow under the paste option on the taskbar. Select either "Link & Keep Source Formatting" or "Link & Use Destination Styles", depending on your preferred option. We have provided several documents to assist you: A template Observational Survey Data Sheet, to record the data during the survey. An Observational Survey Data Tracker - a spreadsheet to record the data from each survey into. You can find them in the Downloads section below.

Surveys are designed to gather insights into your customer’s attitudes, opinions, and behaviours regarding reusable cups and foodware. They help gather qualitative data about your project’s success and provide feedback to guide your reusable switches.  For example, you might learn that customers prefer metal over ceramic cups, helping you to select a reusable cup design that everyone will enjoy. Comparing ongoing survey data reveals trends, patterns, and changes over the length of your project. Use this analysis to evaluate your success. The easiest way to survey guests is a short questionnaire via an electronic survey system at your canteen, cafe or restaurant, or by emailing members after they have attended a game at your club. Ensure your delivery methods adhere to the data security and privacy requirements of your organisation. Template customer surveys are available (find them in the Data Collection section of the Guide) and can be tailored to suit your context.

Setting up your POS systems to collect the number of reusable cups and/or containers you provide is an excellent way to streamline the data collection process. There is a way to do this on most modern POS systems; the process will vary between them. We’ve developed a useful POS Data Collection information sheet to show you how. You can find it in the Downloads section below.