Since being accredited as a Plastic Free Community a couple of years ago, we've continued to recruit more businesses and allies, as the plastic problem is not going away any time soon. We encourage everyone to reduce single-use plastics and seek alternatives. It’s not always easy but small efforts from everyone can make a big difference.
We now have 25 Business Champions actively cutting back on single-use plastics, including recent additions Carole Knight (Artist) and Lennies Chocolates at the Foxlowe. Homeward Studio, Lion House Tearoom, and Tagg Floral earned Silver Awards for their progress. Congratulations to them all. St Luke’s Church and St Paul’s Church Centre are our latest Allies, bringing the total to 32, including Scouts, schools, U3A and sports clubs. If you know a business or organization in the Moorlands interested in joining us, please let us know – Sally is happy to give talks.
Local schools are also aiming to achieve Plastic Free status. Leek First has already got there and Blackshaw Moor First School is working enthusiastically in that direction. With luck, they’ll get there before the summer holidays.
We're planning a Plastic Free Picnic on Saturday, 1 August in the Quaker Meeting House’s garden in Leek, so are hoping, not only for fine weather, but also to welcome lots of you to join us. We’ll share more details nearer the time via MCA Facebook and emails.
@21 Youth Club
Our recent visit supported their clothes swap and included vegan chocolate chip cookie baking and plant-based chocolate tasting - very popular! We also congratulate @21 on receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service. They do brilliant work for the young people of Leek, so it was very well deserved!
Other Updates
- Sue Newman continues making Morsbags for us to give out, showing that unwanted fabric can be turned into lovely, useful items.
- We're campaigning for easier recycling of items like blister packs.
- We're organizing our next Christmas Craft day and possible clothes swaps.
- We're collaborating with the council on an events toolkit.
If you would like to help or get involved in any way, please do!