Penzance in Cornwall is the UK’s first port-side town to win Plastic-free status! The ‘Plastic-free Penzance’ project evolved as part of the Surfers Against Sewers (SAS) 'Plastic Free Coastlines' campaign. The whole community have supported the group ‘Plastic Free Penzance’ who initiated this commitment to reducing the use of plastics within the town. As a united task force and with a unanimous vote from the council to support the movement, the whole town had to achieve a set list of five targets to be considered completely ‘plastic-free’;
Penzance Council committing to tackling single-use plastics at a strategic level
Local businesses were encouraged to ban single-use plastics or switch to sustainable alternatives
Engaging with and encouraging other communities, groups and organisations to take action on single-use plastics.
Rolling out 'Plastic Free Schools' across our town
Promoting the importance of and hosting beach cleans, fundraisers and other awareness raising events.
Some of the projects implemented in line with the 5 targets set included peaceful marches conducted by local school children, efforts to collect litter assisted by resident fisherman as well as a community vegetable garden to feed the homeless.
By using education, community action and political protest the dedicated group have improved the health, sustainability and ofcourse its carbon footprint within the town. As well as this, they have also raised the profile of the area which has encouraged visitors and boosted the town's economy through the tourist's influence on local businesses.
One individual committed to the cause had this to say about the town's efforts: "Plastic pollution has sadly become synonymous with any coastal activity, from surfing to swimming, beach holidays to wildlife watching - it is simply an expected part of our experience. This is why marine plastic pollution, and specifically tackling society's throwaway, excessive or unnecessary plastic culture, is now Surfers Against Sewage's top priority. Plastic pollution is an issue that connects the environment with all parts of society and is something that we can take action on at every level. Indeed, it will only be through concrete, collective, positive action that we will be able to catalyse the shift that is needed to stop the flood of plastic pollution from overwhelming our world."
Can your town make more of any effort to #GoGreen?