Case Study: Camden Valley Church Tearfund Action Group
Camden Valley Church Tearfund Action Group Inspires Change with BYO Containers
In a quiet corner of South-West Sydney, a small yet passionate volunteer group is making a big difference. The Camden Valley Church Tearfund Action Group has been having conversations and encouraging local businesses to reduce plastic waste through their own BYO Containers initiative.
Faith in Action: Serving Locally, Thinking Globally
Rooted in the values of their Christian faith, the group’s mission is clear:
- To serve the local community in God’s name
- To promote global justice
- To encourage sustainability
As a Tearfund Action Group, their efforts are part of a wider movement through Tearfund Australia, a Christian agency working for a just and compassionate world.
Tackling Plastic Waste, One Container at a Time
The group identified the large volume of waste created by single-use takeaway containers and plastic bags. They saw a simple, impactful solution: encouraging businesses to allow customers to bring their own clean containers.
“The amount of plastic waste from single-use containers is significant—and avoidable,” said a spokesperson from the group. “By supporting businesses that welcome reusables, we’re not just cutting down waste, we’re normalising better habits.”
Getting Started with Support from BYO Containers
To launch their project, the group sought permission and guidance from the BYO Containers team. They were provided with everything they needed—flyers, registration forms, decal stickers for businesses, and access to the BYO Containers website.
This support allowed the team to confidently approach local businesses and invite them to join the growing movement.
A Ripple Effect in the Community
The response from local business owners and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Not only were several businesses happy to register with BYO Containers, but the group also found that the simple act of engaging in conversation strengthened local relationships.
Two Facebook posts featuring participating businesses received glowing comments and helped spread the idea even further. The group plans to share their results in their church newsletter to encourage even more people to take up the practice of bringing their own containers.
“We’ve already returned to these businesses with our own containers,” one member said. “It feels like we’ve started something that matters.”
A Simple, Empowering Project for Other Communities
The Camden Valley Church group encourages others to give it a go.
“This is such a simple and well-supported action. Don’t underestimate how valuable these small conversations can be—they’re how bigger change begins,” they shared.
They also expressed appreciation for Lottie Dalziel’s “How to Save the Planet” podcast, which featured the BYO Container website and work, and inspired them to get started.
What’s Next?
The group hopes to lead their church community in taking the Plastic Free July challenge again this year and plans to spread the word further.
Their efforts serve as a beautiful example of how local actions can make a lasting impact.
Contact:
Camden Valley Church – Community Engagement and Tearfund Action Group
cvchurch.org.au
Photo 1: Baylee’s Pork Buns and Pies, Camden with Louise Ferris and Heather Loomes from Camden Valley Church Tearfund Action Group. Photo 2: The Dessert Lab, Camden with Heather Loomes from Camden Valley Church Tearfund Action Group.