As new year’s resolutions see more people getting involved in sporting activities, our PPP partners, the EA, share plastic reduction advice for community sports groups.

The guidance comes in the form of a leaflet, which has been launched internationally, focusing on the economic, social and environmental benefits of minimising plastic consumption.

Environment Agency plastics and sustainability team project lead Hannah Amor said:

“The new guidance is ideal for clubs that want to step up their green credentials. They can discover tips on sustainable kits swaps, reusable products, new sustainable club measures, and how to influence the adaptation of bathroom, kitchen and waste facilities to help reduce avoidable plastic consumption.”

“These small changes can help communities tackle the climate emergency, potentially save money, and encourage other clubs to become sustainable role models in their community too.”

The guidance also encourages readers to sign up to the Big Plastic Pledge – a global campaign founded by Olympic gold medallist Hannah Mills which calls on sport representatives to ramp up efforts to tackle plastic waste.

The new guidance has been produced on behalf of the Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution (PPP) project, a cross-Channel partnership of 18 expert organisations, including the Westcountry Rivers Trust, which identifies and targets plastic hotspots, implements effective solutions and alternatives, and embeds behaviour change in local communities and businesses.

The Westcountry Rivers Trust and PPP project support the Environment Agency’s ambition to promote better environmental practices that result in a reduction of plastic waste, helping to achieve the goals and commitments outlined in its EA2025 5 year plan to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment, and the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan.