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It all started when the Queen agreed to work alongside fellow 91-year-old Sir David Attenborough on a conservation documentary dealing with wildlife in the Commonwealth.

She became personally interested in the damage to oceans caused by dumped plastic.

One thing led to another, and the Queen has now declared war on plastic, banning straws and bottles from the Royal estates.

Buckingham Palace has outlined new waste plans, which will include gradually phasing out plastic straws and bottles in public cafes and banning them altogether in staff dining rooms.

Internal caterers at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh will now only be allowed to use china plates and glasses, or recyclable paper cups.

Takeaway food items in the Royal Collection cafes must also now be made of compostable or biodegradable packaging.

As well as the Queen’s interest, The Prince of Wales also regularly speaks about the damage to the oceans caused by dumped plastic and recently warned that the world was facing an "escalating ecological and human disaster" from refuse in the seas.

Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a 10-year refurbishment program which will make the royal residence far more green, The Telegraph reported.

Food & Drink Business

Poultry and food producer, TasFoods, and its subsidiaries – including Nichols Poultry – have been acquired by RAMP Tasmania Poultry. The sale ensures the continued local operation of TasFoods and the employment of all Tasmanian staff.

The winners of the 2026 World Drinks Awards have been announced, with several Australian distillers recognised across a range of categories – including Prohibition Liquor Co, Fnq Rum Co, New Norfolk Distillery, Reef Distillers and Never Never.

The Royal Agricultural Society of Tasmania (RAST) has launched its inaugural 2026 Royal Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Awards, supported by Lark Distillery founder and industry veteran, Bill Lark, as Patron of the Awards.