Business, Case study Posted — 15 November 2024
Champions in more ways than one
Our Plastic Free Champions are leading the change in the fight against single-use plastics. By working through the awards; Champion, Silver and then Gold, businesses can work to eliminate single-use plastic at a pace that works with them.
As part of the Plastic Free Champion Gold award, as well as reducing single-use plastic, businesses are asked to complete an ‘SAS action’. Many businesses choose to use their sphere of influence to work with suppliers to reduce plastics, write to their MP to demand plastic reducing policies, or even join a protest. There’s power in people and local businesses – providing an ever- bigger voice for the ocean.
Ecohaven, an online shop based in Eastbourne, has done just that. They first got involved with Plastic Free Eastbourne when they joined as a champion, and achieved the Gold Plastic Free Champion award this year. As well as reducing single-use plastic, business owner Karine organised a mass Dip a day with other local groups in October, even engaging their local MP in the event.
In November, she joined Surfers Against Sewage and other local groups at the March for Clean Water in London. With plastic and sewage water quality being issues she cares about, she uses her business as a platform to call for change.
At the March, we protested alongside thousands to put pressure on the government and water companies to prioritise water quality. Last month, during #dipadayinoctober we campaigned tirelessly in Eastbourne, but joining a national movement amplified our voice for change. Being part of Surfers Against Sewage and Plastic Free Eastbourne, reinforces our sense of community.
Karin Morrison, Owner of Ecohaven
Hannah Brown owns a clothes shop in Hertfordshire, the Jolly Brown Studio. A few years ago, she realised her business needed to take the lead to help tackle plastic pollution. After some big decisions and changes, including looking at stock, she applied and was awarded Gold to recognise the changes she had made.
Joining in with both Dip a Day and the March for Clean Water, Hannah campaigns through her business to protect the local waters and chalk streams she loves.
Environmentally, everyone needs to think about their input. Everyone can make plastic errors across the years, but now we know better, it’s all about adapting and changing. I now pride my little store on making those changes, and being somewhere people can come in and ask about sustainable choices themselves.
Hannah Brown, The Jolly Brown Studio
Our Plastic Free Champions – are champions – championing not only plastic reduction but a world where we can have both thriving people, and a thriving ocean.
Could your business or a business you know be a Plastic Free Champion? Find out more about joining Plastic Free Communities here
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