‘Phenomenal’ efforts to clean up Weston’s environment will be celebrated this weekend.
The Mercury and Weston Chamber of Commerce launched the Cleaner Coastlines campaign a year ago this week in a bid to get the community to be more aware of the world we live in.
Over the past 12 months, beach cleans and litter-picks have been run, while schools have increased teaching on the topic and dozens of businesses have cut down on single-use plastics.
Such was its success, Weston achieved plastic-free community status from environment charity Surfers Against Sewage.
To mark a year of the campaign, a free weekend of events is planned, including a treasure hunt, face-painting, sandcastle competition and a beach clean courtesy of the Marine Conservation society.
Debbie Apted, secretary of the chamber of Commerce, said: “The past year has been phenomenal from the start. Our first beach clean coincided with the broadcast of Blue Planet 2 and the support from businesses, schools, community groups and residents of Weston has surpassed all expectations.
“Our first objective was achieved back in November when Weston Town Council unanimously voted to support our campaign for plastic-free coastlines status, an accreditation awarded by Surfers Against Sewage.
“With the chamber of commerce and Mercury working together we were delighted to announce in early August, with more than 30 businesses in town having reduced at least three items of single-use plastic, we had successfully achieved our fifth and final objective and approved status was granted to Weston.
“It was a proud moment, especially as Weston is by far the biggest community of the 30 to date who have achieved this accolade and nearly another 400 globally are trying to do so. Please look for the approved stickers in the windows of these businesses and give them your support.
“We are also thrilled more than 60 businesses have already signed up to the Refill app too – at www.refill.org – indicating they offer free water refills.
“I never imagined for a moment the campaign would be so successful so quickly.”
The event will be held on Saturday from 1-3pm between the Tropicana and SeaQuarium.
Any business keen to join the campaign can email secretary@westonchamber.org.uk
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