Ruddington has launched its very own Plastic Free Communities initiative with marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage, joining forces with a network of communities across the UK to tackle throw away problem plastic. You can join the cause and clean up your local community at their community litter pick this October 9th.
Owner of local business The Bottle Top and volunteer member of Ruddington Village Centre Partnership, Alex Preston started work on the project back in 2020 after finding out about the Surfers Against Sewage through a blog online and being inspired by all the work being done in small communities to tackle the global problem of plastic pollution.
After registering with SAS Plastic Free Communities movement Alex has been working on pulling together key organisations such as RVCP and local businesses in the area to put in place a five point plan. The objectives include setting up a steering group, involving local schools with a view to enrolling them on to the Plastic Free Schools Programme, getting local council commitment, working with local businesses and community groups to reduce the amount of single use plastics they use.
Alex says “ I am so pleased to say that Ruddington is well on its way to becoming certified as plastic free. I have been overwhelmed with the support from members of the community, local groups and a number of fabulous businesses. Its been heart warming to see how keen people are to get involved and want to make a real difference to the local community.
With a bit of team work and collaboration I have no doubt we will achieve Plastic Free status is no time. The litter pick is a great way to get involved by stopping unwanted litter making its way into our rivers and oceans. Not only will you be contributing to Plastic Free Communities but keeping the village clean and tidy too. It’s a great thing to do for all the family and a real opportunity to get social with other members of the community too.”
Mike Ader Chair of RVCP said, “This is clearly a hugely important cause and I’m delighted Ruddington is so actively involved thanks to the hard work & dedication of Alex and a number of other people. The Litter Pick event is a great opportunity for Ruddington residents to come together and collaborate to help not only the village but also this important cause.”
Justin Lucas and Peter Lyons-Lewis of Ruddington Parish Council echoed Mike Aders words and also said that the Parish Council is fully behind and supportive of all activities that lead to improvements to both the look and feel of the village, as well as contributing to greening of the village.”
Our local monthly Ruddington Market is on board with the initiative and is working with its stall holders to remove unnecessary single use plastic from the market, local businesses including Debbie Bryan, The Pet Pantry, The Splitscreen Coffee Company, Mortons Café Deli and Bakery, The Frame Breakers and Compound Gym to name a few are also on board.
The next event to take place as organised by Plastic Free Ruddington is a community litter pick on October 9th 1pm – 4pm. To get involved simply turn up at The Bottle Top any time during the event to collect the equipment and off you go. Alex will be on hand to answer any questions about the Plastic Free Community Initiative and is offering a discount in store for all participants as a small thank you for taking part.
In the mean time to find out more you can follow the Plastic Free Ruddington Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/plasticfreeruddington alternatively get in touch via The Bottle Top https://www.facebook.com/thebottletopnotts/ or Ruddington Village Centre Partnership https://www.rvcp.org.uk/