Local businesses are key to reducing plastic as we hit celebration season

It’s that time of year when we hit a run of celebrations. Diwali, Halloween, Bonfire Night … Christmas. All coming with their own pitfalls when it comes to single-use, throwaway plastic. As we celebrate though we can try and do things a bit differently.

While the big supermarkets are slow to pivot on single use plastic, our local high street businesses are smashing it. Walk down any shopping street and there are independents offering alternatives. Add to that charity shops, vintage stores, antique centres and local markets and most communities offer an eclectic mix of things like gifts, decorations and alternative ways to buy food.

Across the UK there are also over 5,500 SAS Plastic Free Champions, who have worked with us and our local Community Leads to actively reduce plastic. These are locally owned, independent outlets who are choosing to lead the way. With benefits for the ocean, green spaces … and local economies.

Our Plastic Free Communities Impact Report found that 90% of respondents living in Plastic Free Communities actively sought out businesses who were taking action on reducing the amount of single use plastic they give out. Businesses also told us how their Plastic Free Champion award is proving to be a great incentive for local shoppers. They feel it’s an important sign that they’re taking positive action and the award helps them get noticed, raises awareness and attracts business.

As we hit a potential surge in plastic waste over the next couple of months, here’s how we can do something to turn the tide.

Businesses

If you’re not yet signed up to become a Plastic Free Champion – join the movement. You could be at the start of your plastic free journey or maybe you’re already taking action and want recognition. There are Champion, Silver and Gold awards available and we retro-fit action. Find out more and sign up for your free toolkit here

If you’re a Plastic Free Champion – display your award with pride. Let the community know you’re the place to go if they want to reduce plastic pollution and waste. Shout loud on your social platforms and networks and show what a great offer your business has. Be part of a positive community response.

Encourage others – simply spread the word. Get the plastic free message clear with staff and co-workers so they can talk to customers about what you do and why. Share your actions and experience with other businesses. Club together to strengthen your local campaign and support your local Plastic Free Community Lead as they work to empower the whole community.

Individuals

Download your Individual Action Plan and see how you can make a few easy changes right now to cut your plastic consumption and waste. Once you start the journey you’ll start seeing other areas of your life where you can reduce single use. Get your plan here

Shop with local high street businesses who work to reduce single use plastic. Take your own bags and coffee cup. There are so many different gifts available in our high streets and local grocers and markets are often cheaper options than all that plastic wrapped food in the supermarket. Especially when we buy to what we need, rather than inadvertently overbuying.

Open the conversation – ask what plastic free options are available and ask for things not to be wrapped in plastic. Refuse to buy products that come in plastic whenever you can. Tell friends and family good places you’ve found to shop, and how you’ve balanced up the costs.

Most of all … don’t worry if you feel you’re starting small. Single use plastic is present in such mind-blowing numbers that one action can lead to big impact. Just a decision not to buy plastic wrapped fruit and veg this year, or plastic presents, will make a difference. Not least due to the knock on impact it’ll have when your friends and family notice, and start doing the same things.

Final word

Almost 30 million people live in a Plastic Free Community in the UK. Chances are that you are one of them. Find your local community here to see what’s going on locally.

Not got a community near you? Why not set one up? All the info you need is here