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Plastic Free Worcester is proud to announce their new flagship employer, Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College), working together to fight single-use plastic.

Plastic Free Communities, (PFC) an initiative pioneered by charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), aims to tackle the growing problem of single-use plastic and its devastating impact on the environment.

The PFC Objectives challenge community, businesses and local government to reduce reliance on single use plastic items, replacing them with sustainable alternatives, educate others toward the threats of plastic pollution and lead community events such as beach cleans and fundraisers.

Worcester is striving to join the 417 communities, and counting, that have acquired Plastic Free status.

Talking about the collaboration, Principal and CEO, Stuart Laverick said:

“We’re proud to be recognised as a flagship employer, celebrated for our contribution to building a community that protects the environment for future generations. Our students and staff are passionate about sustainability, and this is another step forward to show how we can all make a difference to one of the biggest problems facing the world today.”

Kim Tanner, Community Leader for Plastic Free Worcester, said:

“We are thrilled that HoW College will be the flagship employer for Plastic Free Worcester and commend them for all of their hard work to reduce their plastic footprint.

To win the Plastic Free Communities approved status, Worcester has to complete five objectives set out by SAS such as setting up a steering group, working with a flagship employer and organising river cleans. Worcester City Council have passed a motion pledging to support all plastic-free initiatives in the area and to lead by example through removing single-use plastics from their own premises.”

Thus far, HoW College has introduced a reusable coffee cup scheme for staff and students, stopped using single-use plastic cups at its water coolers, and introduced plant-based packaging in its canteens. Going forward, it’s also working with waste management company, Biffa, on a campaign to reduce food waste across its sites.

For more information and to get involved with Plastic Free Worcester please visit their Facebook page #plasticfreeworcester or website www.zerowasteworcestershire.com or www.sas.org.uk.