Making Beaumaris plastic-free – this what a brand-new initiative launched in the town this week aims to achieve. Funded by Arloesi Môn (This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government), the project sees local businesses get together to get rid of single use plastics, and do their bit to protect the local environment.
With an estimated 7.7 billion plastic water bottles used everyday and increased awareness for the damage plastics cause to marine life, a group of local volunteers was keen to take action.
Four Beaumaris businesses have already signed-up – Mercado; Jackfruit; Canolfan Hamdden Beaumaris; and Happy Valley Café. And with Anglesey as a whole already awarded ‘plastic free community status’ – the first county in Wales to do so, it is hoped that the initiative in Beaumaris will reinforce this status, as well as send out a clear message for people to refill and reuse.
Gwen Evans Jones, chair of the local action group said:
“We’re all now more aware of the damage plastic can cause, it is a huge concern. We were keen to make a difference here in Beaumaris, and it’s up to us to change things and help make the world a better place for future generations. I hope our work in our town will encourage other communities across the island to take up the challenge and join us.”
We’re all now more aware of the damage plastic can cause, it is a huge concern. We were keen to make a difference here in Beaumaris, and it’s up to us to change things and make the world a better place. I hope our work in our town will encourage other communities across the island to play their part.”
Sioned Morgan Thomas of Arloesi Môn said:
“When we heard about this project, we were keen to get involved – and are very pleased to be to working with Beaumaris to develop this project’. As an organisation we aim to tackle challenges that face our communities – this project does just this. It's great to see the work that’s being done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics and to raise awareness.”
Following the launch businesses will be assessed for their use of plastic and advised on what steps they can take to reduce this. A training session will also be held which will be open to the public – with suggestions on how to reduce single use plastic and what the alternatives are. As well as raising awareness, the training session will aim to encourage more people to take an active interest and to change their behaviour.
To sign-up or take part in the initiative, businesses and individuals are encouraged to contact the group via their Facebook page (Beaumaris Di-blastig – Plasticfree) or to get in touch with Arloesi Môn at Menter Môn.