Leading companies have joined forces with the City of Sydney and pledged to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across their businesses.

Industry leaders from the hospitality, accommodation, events and property sectors came together with Lord Mayor Clover Moore to sign up to the Sydney Single-use Pledge.

More than 30 organisations have so far taken the pledge, including the Sydney Opera House, Atlassian, Fox Studios and Star Entertainment Group.

The Lord Mayor said the pledge shows Sydney businesses are determined to reduce the devastating effect single-use plastics are having on the environment.

“Acting together, we can reduce our impact on the environment and show the world that Sydney businesses are leading the way to a zero waste future,” Ms Moore said.

“Plastic straws can last up to 600 years and many end up in our beautiful harbour and waterways. It is shameful that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.”

Studies show that up to one million plastic drink bottles are purchased globally every minute, but less than 50 per cent are collected for recycling.

“While recycling plays an important role in managing our waste, we need to refocus on reduction and avoidance,” Ms Moore said.

“I congratulate the businesses who have signed up to this pledge, and I urge others to get on board and commit to phasing out single-use plastic because it’s better for business and better for the environment.”