Thursday 21 June 2018
States Trading Assets have teamed up to support one of Plastic Free Guernsey's initiatives, rolling out a popular UK 'Refill' scheme in the island.
Earlier this year, local 11 year old Destiny Hollyer-Hill approached the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure Board expressing her passion for the scheme. As a result, Guernsey Water and Guernsey Waste committed to support her vision and approached local organisation, Plastic Free Guernsey to form a partnership.
Already a success in the UK, the scheme will provide convenient 'refill stations' where islanders can top up reusable water bottles for free. These aim to cut the amount of single-use plastics by reducing the demand for bottled water.
Guernsey Water Customer Services Manager, Chris Hall said "I was fortunate enough to attend the meeting at which Destiny made her appeal and I was humbled and very impressed. Guernsey Water is very pleased to support Destiny in her vision to reduce plastics and improving access to good quality drinking water".
Cafes, shops, restaurants and other businesses that sign up to 'Refill' will display a sticker in their window to indicate to the public, tourists and visitors that free water refills are available. Businesses can also be tagged on the Refill App as a 'Refill Station'. So far, 28 establishments have signed up in Guernsey.
Plastic Free Guernsey spokesperson, Laura Havard said: 'As an island community, we need to work hard to stop the tide of single-use plastic pollution. The consequences impact on life for locals and the island as a tourist destination, meaning the benefits of this scheme will be widespread".
Waste Minimisation and Recycling Officer, Tina Norman-Ross said: "The Refill scheme supports Guernsey's Waste Strategy which prioritises waste prevention and reuse. Our focus is changing behaviour. All it takes is a few small changes, such as this to make a real difference.'
Refill UK said "It's really exciting that Refill is now becoming established on Guernsey. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to take action locally to tackle a global problem"
Local businesses wishing to join the scheme or who are already providing this service can contact Madeleine Norman at plasticfreegsy@gmail.com or via their Facebook page.
