Campaign News, Community Case Studies, Plastic Pollution, Refill & Reuse Posted — 7 July 2021
The Community That Banned Polystyrene Bodyboards
After realising that some 16,000 single use polystyrene bodyboards are discarded on UK beaches each year, Plastic Free Westward Ho! took matters into their own hands. They made a stand against throwaway boards – and their message has sent ripples across the UK.
From a local call to action and sheer determination, to a national petition and a tidal wave of inspired communities; retailers and individuals have joined the movement to tackle throwaway bodyboards.
Here’s a deeper look into what has made this campaign such a splash.
Westward Ho!
Westward Ho! boasts the proud title of being the first village in the UK to ban single use, polystyrene bodyboards.
The Community saw the issue first hand. The joys of summer were being dampened by the sight of boards discarded on local beaches, stuffed into bins and releasing polystyrene pieces everywhere. So, it took action. Community Lead, Andrew Cross founded the ‘Ban Cheap Polystyrene Bodyboards’ campaign and petition last October. The group encouraged everyone from local surf shops to holiday rentals to get on board.
The campaign has now received support from several senior politicians across the political spectrum in addition to both northern Devon MP’s, Sir Geoffrey Cox MP and Selaine Saxby. This is very encouraging.
We have come a long way since October of last year and I again wanted to thank all the politicians, councilors, businesses, journalists and individuals who have helped us get this far. Without you all, this progress would not have been possible.
Andrew Cross
Today, if you have the pleasure of visiting Westward Ho! you won’t be able to get your hands on a cheap polystyrene bodyboard even if you try.
North Devon Communities
After a triumphant Westward Ho! campaign, the concept caught on with the wider Plastic Free North Devon team. Saunton Beach implemented a ban, with towns and villages such as Croyde and most recently Braunton hot on their heels They even managed to persuade all North Devon Tesco stores to discontinue their line of polystyrene boards. The North Devon team went on to launch a Parliamentary Petition to ban their sale. If you check out the map on the petition page you will see support coming in from Shetland to South Antrim to Pembrokeshire. Anne-Marie from Plastic Free North Devon explained:
‘This campaign has been our first step into lobbying and we have been blown away with the reaction and support from the community. We have come across a few hurdles along the way but it has definitely captured the hearts and minds of the local community as it is something they can directly see the impact of.’
Plastic Free St Ives
The Plastic Free St. Ives team were equally outraged by the stats that 16,000 boards are discarded on UK beaches each year. So they set out with a similar goal, but their approach was slightly different. The Plastic Free St Ives group began talking to local shops asking them not to stock these boards.
We also highlighted the issue in our quarterly article for the St Ives Local magazine, via our social media and in person at plastic free events.
It has been encouraging to see the awareness growing. Shops have stopped selling them, some are offering free wooden bellyboard rental and a local holiday let company have been giving away wooden bellyboards on social media asking entrants for a pledge to #leaveonlyyourfootprints.
Emma Fashokun, Community Lead
So, now what?
Banning these boards is one thing … but people still want to have fun! Boogie boarding is an intrinsic ingredient to many a summer holiday on UK beaches.
Not to fear. As Emma mentioned, wooden bellyboards are coming back into fashion.
Dick Pearce and Friends started the ‘Surf Wood For Good’ campaign, and have provided several outlets across the UK with free wooden bellyboards to hire and head out into the waves.
Living close to the beach I’ve been so frustrated seeing the bins filled with snapped or semi broken cheap boards. The guys who clear the bins estimate they clear between 15-20 boards a day during the summer. It’s just crazy.
It was great to come up with a scheme with Dan at Little Goat Gruff to actually try and stimulate a change – offering a free ‘hire’ service in partnership with established and trusted shops as well as helping to change people’s mindsets and buying habits.
Jamie, Dick Pearce
Wave Cycle
So, the only thing missing now, is an end of life solution for the boards that do make it to the beaches.
Harry Peck, a design student at Newcastle University, has one option. ‘Wave Cycle’. They take discarded bodyboards, surfboards and more and turn them into unique and stylish furniture. He told us:
‘Wave Cycle’ is a sustainable plastic furniture range made from recycled surf and bodyboards. The design and manufacturing process is committed to supporting and celebrating environmentalism within the surfing industry.
Harry Peck
Get involved
Live in a seaside community? Why not champion the campaign?
Drop us a line if you are interested, and have a look at the ‘How to’ guide created by Plastic Free Torridge and Plastic Free North Devon.
Not by the sea, or not in a position to run a campaign? Then you can help get the message to where it will be heard, in parliament.
The power of community is second to none and we’re proud of all 814 (and counting) of our Plastic Free Communities – You can get more information on how you can get involved in campaigns in your local area here:
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