Walmer Against Plastics Pollution

One of the greatest environmental issues facing us is the increasing production and use of plastic products across the world. Used in almost every facet of life, plastics have been produced in the billions of tons in the last twenty years alone. From single use bottles to multiple layers of packaging, to abandoned buildings, plastics are discarded and gradually find its way into the food chain.

 

As part of Walmer Town Council’s continuing push towards ending climate change, we have set up Walmer Against Plastics Pollution (WalAPP) campaign. This campaign is dedicated to looking into simple, cost effective and or cost-free actions to help the public, organisations and businesses reduce their reliance on plastics and to reduce their own carbon footprints. This will lead the way to removing many single use plastics such as bottles, shopping bags and food wrappers.

 

The council as well as local businesses, independent groups and worldwide organisations are all looking into ways to reduce and hopefully end reliance on single use plastics in favour of recyclable paper, card, glass or bamboo alternatives. There are numerous materials and alternative ways to carry materials that do not require single use plastics, especially if those plastics are among those that are difficult to recycle or non-biodegradable.

 

Instead of plastic, the campaign will push for the use of reusable cups, personal water bottles, easily recyclable packing materials or simply to end the use of cheap disposable plastics in favour of the alternatives.

 

As part of the WalAPP initiative, members of the Climate Emergency Group will also be looking at local businesses, encouraging them to support Walmer Against Plastics Pollution. Those that actively attempt to reduce their use will be awarded a certificate and window sticker for their premises, those that qualify will need to:

• Have reduced their use of plastics in recent years, especially single use plastics,
• Replaced plastic packaging / containers /forks with card or paper or wood
• have started stocking alternatives to single use plastic (water / drinks) bottles, offering cans or glass bottled water / drinks instead.
• Be aware of new legislation that came into force Jan 2024: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-bans-and-restrictions.

  

 If you would like to know more about the campaign then please contact the