NEWSROOM

During the month, the Council will be sharing tips, resources and information to help residents make simple swaps to reduce their use of single-use plastic.

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said:

"Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Single-use plastics often end up in our rivers, oceans, and green spaces, where they harm wildlife, pollute ecosystems, and contribute to climate change. By reducing our reliance on these materials, we not only protect our local environment here in Telford and Wrekin, but also contribute to a global effort to safeguard the planet for future generations.

“We’ve made great progress in reducing our own plastic use as a Council, but we know there’s more to do. Plastic Free July is a fantastic opportunity for everyone—residents, schools, and businesses—to get involved. Whether it’s switching to a reusable coffee cup or saying no to plastic straws, every small action adds up to a big impact."

As well as encouraging residents to make simple swaps, during the month Telford & Wrekin Council will be lobbying big manufacturers on behalf of Telford and Wrekin Plastic Free Task Force, to encourage them to reduce plastic packaging and adopt sustainable alternatives, and will also be approaching local manufacturers in the borough to see how the task force can better engage with them in the future.

Telford & Wrekin Council has already taken bold steps to lead by example and is working hard to remove as many single-use plastics from day-to-day operations and activities as it can, replacing them with sustainable alternatives.

The Council’s efforts include:

• Continuing to remove single-use plastics from all council-run buildings and services, including recently switching advertising posters from plastic- to paper-based.
• Switching to sustainable alternative cleaning and catering products, such as changing from single use plastic tubs to reusable recycled plastic ones.
• Installing water fountains at Council offices and leisure centres to encourage the use of refillable bottles.
• Reviewing single-use plastic used in Care and replacing them with sustainable alternatives where possible.

Telford & Wrekin Council is also a co-ordinating member of the Telford & Wrekin Plastic Free Task Force, a partnership of local organisations, schools, and businesses working together to reduce plastic waste across the borough. The Task Force:

• Supports local businesses and organisations in identifying alternatives to single-use plastics.
• Provides guidance and resources to help organisations and businesses make sustainable changes.
• Encourages collaboration between manufacturers, retailers, and community groups.

Businesses, schools and organisations in the borough are encouraged to join the Task Force and become part of a growing network committed to protecting the environment and promoting a circular economy.

Residents and businesses can find tips, resources, and inspiration to take the Plastic Free July challenge at www.plasticfreejuly.org

To learn more about the Council’s sustainability work and how to join the Plastic Free Task Force, visit: Sustainable Telford & Wrekin