FROME Town Council is forging ahead with its plans to encourage the town to go plastic-free. The efforts of the council have attracted the attention of the BBC Points West news team and next week, a meeting will be held to explore ways plastic waste can be reduced.
Councillor Richard Ackroyd said, “The BBC’s Blue Planet showed us recently how much plastic is getting into our seas and this is causing havoc to marine life. Frome Town Council has committed to going single-use plastic free by April and we’re keen to work with businesses, schools and the local community to cut plastic waste throughout the town.”
To aim of the meeting next Tuesday, 20th February, at Frome Town Hall, will be to provide a space for people to share ideas – from working with local businesses to lobbying supermarkets to a zero waste shop.
The council will also meet with local cafes and restaurants next week to help them go plastic-free by supporting bulk buying of plastic alternatives such as paper straws and eco coffee cups.
Some local cafes in the town have already signed up to the initiative with Moo and Two, Garden Cafe and the River House all agreeing to phase out plastic straws, to reduce straws used and to replace plastic straws with either biodegradable or paper ones.
Anna Francis, the town council’s resilience manager, who championed the proposal for the council to stop using single-use plastic said, “If you have ideas on how we can reduce plastic or would like to discuss and plan local activities, do join us on Tuesday 20th February if you can.
“The UK uses 38million plastic bottles every day, most of which don’t end up getting recycled. There is a huge movement away from disposable plastic, and there’s lots we can all do to reduce plastic waste in Frome.”
The meeting will take place at Frome Town Hall on Christchurch St West next Tuesday, 20th February, from 7.30-9pm. For more information see: www.frometown council.gov.uk/plastic-free
Tips to go
plastic free
To help with the movement for a plastic-free Frome, here are some simple suggestions that could help make a big difference for the future of the planet.
Stop buying bottled water and purchase a reusable bottle that you can fill up before leaving the house.
For those who can’t go without their daily fix of caffeine from the local coffee shop, purchase a reusable coffee cup and refuse single-use take away cups.
Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than produce in multi-packs with unnecessary plastic packaging holding the items together. Why not support your local market or greengrocer who often display and sell their produce as loose.
Try to resist using a plastic straw and refuse one when offered. If you do want to use a straw, ask for a paper one or buy a reusable one.
With the introduction of the 5p charge for the use of a plastic bag, most people are already avoiding plastic bags and using reusable ones, but it’s always good to make sure you have a bag before leaving the house.
