You will probably be aware that Leek is now a Plastic Free Community. It took two and a half years of hard work but we did it! Thanks to the Sus Con team and all the businesses and organisations who have supported us. Apart from encouraging people to use less single use plastic, it’s been a great way to get to know people and make friends in the community.
We are still working hard to keep the momentum going, looking for new businesses and allies to continue the fight against plastics. So, if you know of any businesses or organisations who are interested in reducing their single use plastics, please get in touch.
Businesses that are already Plastic Free Champions can apply for the Silver and Gold Awards too by making more changes, including avoiding using plastics from the ‘Top Offenders List’ – such things as plastic bottles, plastic carrier bags, bathroom plastics, plastic packaging and balloons. They are also asked to support a local plastic free initiative, spreading the plastic free message in the community.
Five years ago, MCA planted lots of trees up at Goldsytch Moss. We held a picnic there to see how well they were doing (they’re looking amazing!) We tried to make the picnic as plastic free as possible.
I have also been working with two local schools – Leek First and Beresford Memorial, helping them to achieve Plastic Free Schools status. The children have worked very hard, identifying which single use plastics can be reduced in school, litter picking in and around the school grounds and writing letters to the government and big businesses asking what they are doing about single use plastics. In the Autumn I hope to begin working with other schools as well. (www.plasticfreeschools.org.uk)