Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with an estimated 6.3 billion tons of plastic produced worldwide as of 2018. It is a problem that affects land, waterways, and oceans, with plastic debris being categorized as primary or secondary. Primary plastics, such as bottle caps and microbeads, are in their original form when collected, while secondary plastics are smaller pieces that have degraded over time. While plastic pollution is a worldwide issue, some areas have made significant efforts to combat it. One such area is Weston, which has implemented initiatives to reduce single-use plastic consumption and achieve plastic-free status. The success of these initiatives has been celebrated, with the community coming together to rid their town of plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Weston-super-Mare |
| Initiative | Remove single-use plastic from the environment |
| Launch date | 29 October 2017 |
| Partners | Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce, The Weston Mercury, Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign |
| Facebook Group | Cleaner Coastlines: Weston and North Somerset plastic-free campaign (1,500 members) |
| @PlasticFreeWsM | |
| CleanerCoastlines | |
| Progress | 100 accredited plastic-free communities in the UK, 630 more working towards it |
| Impact | Reduced plastic consumption, promoted plastic recycling, raised awareness about the threat of plastic pollution to the environment |
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What You'll Learn
Weston-super-Mare's fight against plastic pollution
Plastic pollution is a global issue, with plastic waste entering the environment and causing problems throughout the ecosystem. It is estimated that 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean from coastal communities each year, with plastic debris accumulating in the oceans and allowing for the accumulation of toxic substances.
In 2017, Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce and The Weston Mercury launched an initiative to address plastic pollution in the town by joining the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign. The Cleaner Coastlines campaign was born, with the aim of removing single-use plastic from the environment and achieving plastic-free status for Weston-super-Mare. The first beach clean took place on 29 October 2017, and just a couple of weeks later, Weston Town Council unanimously passed a motion to support the campaign.
Over the next few months, a steering group was set up, and engagement with schools and community groups took place to spread the message. Local businesses were also keen to get involved and become accredited as plastic-free business champions. The campaign has received support from both North Somerset Council and Weston Chamber of Commerce, and despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has continued to make progress.
The efforts of Weston-super-Mare in the fight against plastic pollution have been recognised, with Cllr Gibbons expressing pride in the town council's leadership in raising awareness of the issue. The community lead for Plastic Free Weston, Debbie Apted, has also acknowledged the amazing journey of the campaign so far and the united front presented by the community in tackling single-use plastic.
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The Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide, and Weston is no exception. To combat this issue, Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce and The Weston Mercury joined the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign in 2017. This initiative, known as Cleaner Coastlines, aims to remove single-use plastic from the environment and achieve plastic-free status for Weston.
The campaign provides a five-step toolkit and encourages local communities to work together across different organisations. The five objectives are:
- Working with the local council
- Encouraging local businesses to reduce single-use plastic
- Signing up community groups, schools, and organisations
- Holding events and actions
- Setting up a steering group to drive the movement
The effectiveness of the campaign lies in mobilising the entire community, including local governments, independent businesses, community groups, schools, and more. By uniting communities in this fight, the campaign has made significant progress. Over 830 communities across the UK have signed up, with nearly 30 million people living in participating communities. Additionally, 4,500 businesses and 230 councils have committed to reducing plastic usage and supporting plastic-free initiatives.
The impact of the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign extends beyond environmental protection. It has positively influenced community cohesion, with participants feeling more connected to their neighbourhood, nature, and the local environment. This sense of belonging and increased environmental awareness have encouraged people to spend more time outdoors and actively contribute to their community's well-being.
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The role of the Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with an estimated 6.3 billion tons of plastic produced worldwide, of which only about 9% has been recycled. The impact of plastic pollution is felt across the ecosystem, with plastic waste entering oceans, waterways, and land.
In the context of this environmental crisis, the Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in addressing plastic pollution in Weston-super-Mare, a coastal town in the UK. Recognizing the threat posed by single-use plastics, the Chamber of Commerce, along with The Weston Mercury, took decisive action by joining the "Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities" campaign. This initiative, launched three years ago, aimed to eradicate single-use plastic from the environment and raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.
The Chamber of Commerce's efforts led to the creation of "Cleaner Coastlines," a dedicated campaign with five key objectives to achieve plastic-free status for Weston-super-Mare. The first objective was swiftly accomplished when the Weston Town Council unanimously voted to support the campaign, demonstrating strong local government backing.
Over the following months, the Chamber of Commerce facilitated the formation of a steering group and actively engaged with schools and community groups to spread the message. Their outreach efforts were successful in galvanizing local businesses to join the cause. These businesses strived to become accredited by demonstrating the removal of at least three single-use plastic items from their premises. The Chamber of Commerce's inclusive approach, involving various stakeholders, helped build a strong foundation for the campaign.
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The impact of Blue Planet 2 on the community
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects land, waterways, and oceans. It poses a significant threat to the environment and marine life, with an estimated 1.1 to 8.8 million tonnes of plastic waste entering the ocean each year. The Blue Planet 2 series, which started on 29 October 2017, had a profound impact on the community of Weston-super-Mare in their fight against plastic pollution.
The community of Weston-super-Mare, led by the Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce and The Weston Mercury, launched an initiative to eliminate single-use plastic from their environment. This initiative, known as Cleaner Coastlines, joined the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign. The first beach clean took place on the same night that Blue Planet 2 premiered, and it sparked a movement in the community.
The series brought awareness to the issue of plastic pollution, and the community of Weston-super-Mare was inspired to take action. The town council played a crucial role in this journey by unanimously passing a motion to support the campaign, just a couple of weeks after the first beach clean. This demonstrated the community's commitment to tackling plastic pollution and set them on the path towards achieving plastic-free status.
The impact of Blue Planet 2 extended beyond the initial beach clean. Over the following months, a steering group was established, schools were engaged, and various community groups were visited to spread the message. Local businesses also stepped up and became accredited business champions by removing at least three single-use plastic items from their premises. This collective effort showcased the community's dedication to making a change.
The work of the Cleaner Coastlines campaign has been recognised and celebrated, with the North Somerset Council showcasing the campaign in the Sovereign Centre. The community's Facebook group, "Cleaner Coastlines: Weston and North Somerset plastic-free campaign", has also gained significant traction, with almost 1,500 members. The impact of Blue Planet 2 on the community of Weston-super-Mare is evident in their continued efforts to unite and fight against single-use plastic, with the journey described as "amazing" by the community lead for Plastic Free Weston, Debbie Apted.
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The future of Weston's anti-plastic initiatives
The Cleaner Coastlines initiative has since gained widespread support from local businesses, community groups, and schools. Local businesses have actively participated in the campaign, with many becoming accredited business champions by removing at least three single-use plastic items from their premises. This engagement extends beyond just businesses, with hundreds of residents regularly turning out for beach cleans, litter picks, and other events to keep their town plastic-free.
The impact of Weston's anti-plastic initiatives is evident in the town's achievement of ""Plastic Free" status, making it one of the first councils to do so. This status not only recognises the town's efforts but also raises awareness about the environmental threats posed by plastic pollution. The campaign has also fostered collaborations with organisations like Explorers Educate, Plastic Pollution & Awareness Action Projects, and UK Curry Connect, further amplifying their message.
Looking ahead, the momentum behind Weston's anti-plastic initiatives shows no signs of slowing down. The community lead for Plastic Free Weston, Debbie Apted, has expressed enthusiasm for continuing to unite the community in the battle against single-use plastic. Additionally, the ongoing global efforts to address plastic pollution provide a favourable backdrop for Weston's local endeavours. In 2022, 175 countries pledged to create a legally binding agreement by 2024 to end plastic pollution, signalling a growing international commitment to tackle this issue.
While the future challenges are daunting, with plastic production and pollution continuing to rise, Weston's proactive approach positions it as a leader in the anti-plastic movement. The town's success in engaging various stakeholders and fostering a sense of community ownership bodes well for sustaining and expanding these initiatives. As Weston continues to rally its residents, businesses, and collaborators around the cause, it will not only maintain but also enhance its reputation as a pioneer in the fight against plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is plastic pollution in Weston, however, the community has been working hard to combat this issue.
Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce and The Weston Mercury launched an initiative to remove single-use plastic and joined the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities campaign. The community has come together to organise beach cleans, litter picks, and other events to reduce plastic pollution.
The efforts to reduce plastic pollution in Weston have been successful, with the town achieving plastic-free status. There are now 100 accredited plastic-free communities in the UK, and Weston is one of them. The community Facebook group, "Cleaner Coastlines: Weston and North Somerset plastic-free campaign", has almost 1,500 members.
