Cotgrave is Awarded ‘Plastic Free Communities’ Status as it Takes Action on Single-Use Plastic.
Cotgrave has joined a network of communities across the UK who are leading the way to tackle throw away plastic at source. The town has been awarded Plastic Free Community status by marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), in recognition of the work it has done to start reducing the impact of single-use plastic on the environment.
The campaign started early in 2020 after becoming increasingly concerned about packaging and single-use plastics finding their way into the environment.
After registering with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement, the group pulled together key organisations and businesses to put in place a five-point plan. The objectives included: setting up a community-led steering group, instigating the SAS Plastic Free Schools education programme, securing town council commitment and working with local businesses, organisations and community groups to spread the word and minimise the amount of disposable plastics they use.
“It has been brilliant to see so many groups and
businesses from our community coming together with a common,
environmental purpose.
“Businesses have eliminated all sorts of single-use plastics for example
in changing their packaging, in their back-room activities such as
introducing recyclable printer cartridges and right across their
activities.”