How creating accessible local PFC campaigns doesn’t just reduce plastic

Our communities are a patchwork of different groups, businesses, networks and people. A huge part of the Plastic Free Communities programme is based on building local relationships, and through that creating a local campaign that’s inclusive and representative.

It’s always inspiring to hear how groups are forming alliances where they live, not only to reduce plastic, but also to break down barriers.  In Exmouth for example, the team are linking with The Deaf Academy which has resulted in learnings other communities can now take forward.

It started when the Academy held an Environmental Awareness Day, inviting the Plastic Free Exmouth team to talk to their post 16 pupils.

The Deaf Academy are a unique provision in the UK, offering a specialist curriculum, teaching, support and care to deaf young people, the majority of which have additional needs.  It’s a fantastic place to learn, develop and be part of a diverse deaf multilingual community.  Their aim is to develop empowered, confident young people who are equipped to embark into adulthood with aspiration, skills and resilience.

Plastic Free Exmouth gave a presentation, alongside a British Sign Language interpreter to highlight the impact of plastic pollution. They also talked about what they are doing as a community group to create change, from the beaches all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it. The talk was accompanied by lots of visuals. Many of the children have additional needs, so seeing artefacts and items collected from the beach, as well as photographs and other media, was essential.

It’s all very well talking about plastic pollution, but actually going to the beach and doing a clean is what really highlights the magnitude of the issue. Giving the pupils the tools to do something about the problem and feel they are making a tangible difference was important too. There are also a tonne of added benefits of getting out in nature and taking part in activities. It’s proven to lower blood pressure, reduce stress and improve mood. There is also evidence to suggest it can help eliminate fatigue, boost focus and even improve short-term memory. (1) Our own PFC Impact report found people living in a Plastic Free Community felt more of a sense of belonging, and were more active.

The group collected 19.5kg of waste that afternoon from Exmouth Beach. The students were keen to talk about the activities they had been involved in, to highlight the issues surrounding plastic pollution. They made model beaches and covered their precious design work in plastic. They discussed their feelings surrounding this and what could be done to improve the situation.

Giving talks, and hosting activities alongside local groups is awesome. But giving those groups and the people in them the tools they need to experience the issue, to feel included in actions and empowered within themselves? Well that takes it one step further.

Join the movement.

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