PROJECT PLASTIC
Introduction
This project began in 2018 with the increasing recognition internationally and locally that plastic waste has a very detrimental effect on the planet. These concerns have been highlighted by individuals such as David Attenborough and organisations such as Surfers against Sewage. Support has been provided through a local network of groups in Shropshire and Wales to develop an action plan to raise awareness and to influence changes in individula and business behaviours. The plan was put on hold during the pandemic. Contact nicola.colston@gmail.com if you have an interest in taking the plan forward
Take part in the UK’s biggest plastic investigation
Count your plastic for one week – 16-22 May 2022.
Across the country, households of all shapes and sizes, schools, community groups and businesses, will gather new evidence. How much plastic are we really having to throw away, and what happens to it? We’ll show the government it’s time to commit: reduce single plastic use by 50% by 2025 by switching to reusable options that work for everyone – and ban sending our waste to other countries. Check out The Big Plastic Count on the internet for details
Working with the Cooperative Society.
The aim is to lobby and encourage the Co-operative Society to reduce their use of plastic packaging and to become more aware of the environmental impact of their business. This has included attending the annual general meeting of the Society and building relationships with staff within the Society as well as withthe local manager in Knighton. Two meetings were held locally prior to the pandemic. Minutes are available. Please contact Karen Plant 01547 520565 for updates. All meetings have been cancelled during the pandemic although contact has now been made with the new manager of the Co-op.
Action Planning meetings
These have been held as needed either for all members or for particular sub group meeting. Please contact Nicola Colston nicky.colston@btinternet.com
Encouraging a plastic free Knighton Carnival
In 2019 TVEG assisted in clearing the carnival of refuse after the event. This led to the realisation that further work needed to be done to encourage a plastic free Carnival in line with an increasing number of festivals making this move. Consequently TVEG joined the 2020 planning committee and work was done to change contracts with stall holders and research completed on costs and developements to refuse collection throughtout the event . Due to the pandemic the 2020 Carnival was cancelled. Further activities are not yet planned. A successful grant application has been made to Magic Little Grants to raise money for recycling bins for the Carnival.
Litter picking
This activity has restarted We meet on the last Sunday of every month apart from teh summer months. Next litter pick Sunday 25th September meeting at the Offas Dyke Centre at 10 am. Just for an hour – just turn up – no need to be a member
Crisp bag collection
This activity has carried on throughout the pandemic. There is a site at Co-op, the Black Sheep Cafe, Watsons, the Community Centre and the school in Knighton. The Greyhound at Llangunllo also collects bags Volunteers are needed to maintain the sites, collect the bags and take to the collection point at the Co-op in Knighton . Contact nicola.colston@gmail.com
Awareness raising
Several stalls were led by TVEG in 2019 including at the Knighton Carnival. A leaflet was designed and distributed at these events and across Knighton. Further activities are not yet planned
Refill scheme
To decrease the use of plastic bottles this scheme has been publicised across Knighton. Signs have been placed in shops who will provide customers with free tap water to fill people’s own containers.
Details of the Refill app ………
Check out the project leaflet.
Reuse and recycle. Ideas collected from people in the Rea Valley doing their bit to save waste. (PDF file – opens in a new window.)