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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

Lark Distilling has reported continued top-line growth in 1H FY26, with net sales revenue (after excise) rising 10 per cent to $8.7 million, as the Tasmanian whisky producer prepares for a coordinated domestic and international rollout of its restaged portfolio in the second half.

Better-for-you soft drink brand, bobby, has opened expressions of interest for its upcoming equity raise through OnMarket. Since launching in 2022, the company has expanded from four to 13 flavours, and secured national ranging across major and independent retail.

Calabria Family Wine Group has taken over Australian distribution for House of Fine Wine and The Wine Company – including products from Groupe Bollinger, Villa Maria, and Tahbilk. The company will manage all on‑premise and independent retail distribution nationally.