Bridgwater Town Council is backing ‘Plastic Free July’. This global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, is being promoted locally by Surfers Against Sewage so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities and poses the question “Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?”. Newly elected Town Councillor Richard Morgan (Labour, Fairfax East) says “As a new member of the BTC climate forum I am stoked to be involved with the Surfers Against Sewage plastic-free campaign and to help get Bridgwater’s plastic-free community recognised for their hard work in reducing single-use plastic. The people of Bridgwater have a strong drive and passion when it comes to being involved with projects which make a positive impact on our world and community. We are excited to be able to provide practical ways to help local residents to find ways of engaging in this important subject.”
Councillor Kathy Pearce, Climate Emergency Portfolio Holder, says “Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing us today. Plastic remains in the environment for hundreds of years. I urge
everyone to get behind the Surfers Against Sewerage Plastic Free Communities Campaign.“
Bridgwater Town Council adopted its Plastic Free Policy back in October 2019, when it committed to stop buying products in single use plastics, buy local where possible and:
- Work with partners and those hiring Town Council premises to provide alternative solutions to single use plastics
- Promote positive initiatives and campaigns for reducing plastic waste across the town
- Through the Council’s social media and communication channels, to share guidance and best practice about plastic free initiatives with residents, businesses, visitors and beyond. to assist others to become plastic free
- Work with Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council, community groups and partnerships to support initiatives to ensure our parks, waterways and open spaces are free from litter
- Use government legislation that regulates against the use of single-use plastics to support our efforts where we can.
To continue the fight to eradicate plastics in our community and keep the town tidy, Inland Waterways Association and Rage Against the Rubbish also organise regular litter picks around the docks and the canal.
There are many ways to get involved. Here’s a statement from Surfers Against Sewage
IT’S PLASTIC FREE JULY!
Despite our name, we do much more than fight sewage pollution for surfers… While we campaign for ocean re-generation and water quality, and against climate change, our community teams are working to free the ocean from the grips of the single-use plastic crisis. So, where do you fit in? Well, it’s Plastic Free July, and so you may be wondering what you can do to support the fight against single use plastic washing into our waterways…
MILLION MILE CLEAN
Beach, street, river, park or mountain, the Million Mile Clean is open to everyone, no matter where you live. Individual beach cleaner, a group of friends, a team of colleagues, or a school or community group, every piece of rubbish you collect brings us closer to stopping plastic pollution. Join a clean, or run your own.
JOIN PLASTIC FREE COMMUNITIES
Over 800 communities have signed up to our Plastic Free Communities where we support you to act in removing plastic from where you live. Get involved in a plastic free community that’s already set up, or lead your own. Complete 5 objectives to achieve Plastic Free Communities status.
SIGN UP TO PLASTIC FREE SCHOOLS
Power to the pupils! This programme supports schools to empower pupils in making positive changes for the environment. Work towards 5 objectives and ban at least 3 items of single use plastics from premises.
PLASTIC FREE AWARDS
Our Plastic Free Awards bring together plastic free champions, including young campaigners, community leaders, small businesses, charities, designers, entrepreneurs, sports clubs and schools. Nominate yourself, or someone whose commitment to plastic-free deserves recognition!
SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGNS
We demand an end to plastic pollution on UK beaches by 2030. We are a leading voice in the campaign to eliminate plastic pollution, mobilising and empowering a nationwide network of #OceanActivists to take action – from the beach front, to the front benches of Parliament. We want legislation and policy focused on reduction, reuse and refill. We’ll keep you updated.
How will you fight the plastic tide?