3 minutes reading time.
Did you know that it is predicted that there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans by 2050. The UKĀ uses 38.5 million plastic bottles every day, of which 15 million are not recycled.
On April 22nd The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) launched a campaign to coincide with Earth Day and more than 60 festival have committed themselves to banning the use of plastic straws on site in 2018 as a minimum first step. By 2021 they have pledged to eliminate all single use plastic at their events. Not only are we becoming part of this inspirational drive but we are fully eliminating our teamās use of single use plastic this year in 2018.
Doing our bit!
We are leading the security industry by not only pledging to reduce the use of single-use plastic but also drastically minimise our waste. This year we are issuing 400 reusable drawstring bags which contain a thermal flask, either a protein shaker or sports bottle (based on each team member’s choice) and a torch. As well as furthering our industry leading environmental legacy, initiatives and accreditations we are also taking immediate action to reduce our use of disposable materials. This will save just over 100,000 plastic bottles and 60,000 paper cups going to landfill at the festivals and events our team are working at this summer alone. This works out approx 250 bottles of water per employee.
Leading from the front Peter Harrison is going even further;
Weāre saving over 100,000 disposable water bottles and cups this year by issuing 400 sets of reusable cups to our festival team! #DrasticOnPlastic pic.twitter.com/ELi34nsu3j
ā Peter Harrison (@PeteHarrisonFGH) June 1, 2018
Peter Harrison, FGH Managing Director, said, “There is a lot we can do to stop using disposable plastic, such as opting for reusable flasks, cups and shakers. We’re leading by example to inspire people to make a change. It’s a substantial investment and a major shift in the way organisations like our own think, but it is worth it for our children and their children.”
AIF CEO Paul Reed said, “It is encouraging and inspiring that so many AIF members have taken this initiative and pledge on-board without hesitation and are taking a collective stand against single-use plastic. This is one of the most critical issues facing our businesses and wider society. By working together as an industry and taking affirmative action, we can make a tangible difference.ā
To see the latest updates check out the Hashtag #DrasticOnPlastic or keep and eye on our social media and site over the course of the next few months to see the difference weāre making.