Weston-super-Mare is half-way to achieving plastic-free coastline status, to recognise efforts taken to cut down on plastic pollution – and the Mercury is celebrating the businesses who have got on board.
The Mercury is leading the Cleaner Coastlines campaign with the Weston Chamber of Commerce and North Somerset Council to achieve the accreditation from Surfers Against Sewage.
To achieve one of the objectives, 30 businesses in Weston need to remove three single-use plastics – and the Mercury will be celebrating those who have taken strides to rid the town of those single-use items.
This week, we are launching Plastic-Free Business Heroes, to recognise businesses which have removed plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers and other items.
The first business to be featured is Replenish Weston, in Meadow Street, which from its launch in May last year, aimed to help shoppers reduce their plastic waste.
People can take their own containers to top up on dry items like pasta and beans, and washing-up liquid and shampoo.
MORE: 5 easy ways your business can help Weston achieve Plastic-Free Coastline status.
Shop owner Holly Law said: “People can buy the ingredients they need in their own refillable containers. We are trying to expand the range of goods which can be refilled.”
By allowing people to fill up their own containers, Replenish offers people a place to buy food without the packaging – thus reducing the amount of plastic being thrown away.
Customers can also return plastic film which is recyclable, but not locally.
Replenish also sells stainless steel straws – ideal as Weston businesses are starting to remove the plastic versions.
Loves Café, in West Street, was one of the first places in the town to remove plastic straws, but others have now started to do the same.
Since the Cleaner Coastlines campaign started in October, at least six bars and pubs in the town have ditched plastic straws.
On average, plastic straws are used for 20 minutes before being thrown away – but these then take about 200 years to break down.
You can help our campaign by refusing to plastic straws when you are out and about.
If your business has done something to help our campaign, email sarah.robinson@archant.co.uk
You can follow the latest news on our Cleaner Coastlines Facebook group.
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