Freshwater Parish Council have this week resolved to support and promote Plastic Free Isle of Wight.
At a meeting on Tuesday night (3rd April), Parish Councillors passed a resolution which commits them to working with local shops and businesses to reduce the use of single-use plastics, and establish a community group to lead the Plastic Free Freshwater campaign.
Parish Councillors have already produced branded ‘Freshwater’ reusable shopping bags – which are a quality product and printed at Rapanui in the village. They are available at local independent stores in Freshwater and the Bay. Councillors are also in discussions regarding installing drinking water taps at a number of central and beach sites ready for the summer holidays to allow residents and visitors to reuse and fill up their drinking bottles.
Freshwater Parish Councillor, Vix Lowthion, said:
“There is a great belief in the village that we should ‘do our bit’ to tackle the plastics crisis. Two recent showings of the film ‘Plastic Ocean’ at Freshwater Library were full to capacity, as villagers look to alternatives to the throw-away society. Many of our local shops are already on board with alternatives to disposable items.
“Plastic Free Freshwater will build on this energy, and the Parish Council are proud to support the campaign.”
THE RESOLUTION IN FULL:
Freshwater Parish Council resolves to agree to the principle of the Plastic Free Coastlines campaign through:
- Leading by example and reducing single-use plastic items from our premises
- Encouraging plastic-free initiatives and events eg beach cleans
- working with local businesses and organisations to look at ways to reduce their use of single use plastics
- look at installing a drinking water tap to reduce the need for single-use plastic water bottles
- establishing a Plastic Free Freshwater community group with the Parish Council represented
- Supporting the wider Plastic Free Isle of Wight campaign
Reusable bags can be purchased at a charge of £4.99 at Orchard Bros, Piano Cafe, Freshwater Lifeboat Shop, Village Bakery, PJ Thorne, Butcher Elliot’s, Freshwater Coffee House (opening 9th April) and Adrian’s Bike Shop.
