BUSINESSES and campaigners in Stroud have joined forces to demand radical changes.
Stroud Brewery, Godsells Cheese and Stroud District Action on Plastic are among those who have joined forces to write an open letter to the five biggest plastic polluters in the world to demand change.
What are they demanding?
Together, they are demanding that these companies reinvent their packaging to be reusable and refillable as a matter of urgency to move away from single-use plastic packaging.
Stroud District Action on Plastic, which coordinates the Refill Stroud campaign has provided a comprehensive online database that details where people can shop locally with less plastic.
Starting Refill Stroud in 2017, the group convinced more than 30 local businesses to offer free tap water refills to the public in order to prevent the need to buy single-use plastic water bottles, and also petitioned Stroud Town Council to install a drinking water fountain.
Most recently the group won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for outstanding work in the community.
Greg Pilley, the founder and managing director of Stroud Brewery said: “Plastic pollution is a global problem, but we can and must find local solutions.
"Our customers are completely on board for this journey and do raise a glass to the steps we’re taking.”
Liz Godsell, from Godsells Cheese, said: “Since introducing our refill milk machine we’ve managed to sell over 28,000 litres of milk directly to customers at an affordable but fair price.
"This cuts out transportation costs and emissions and makes the whole product much more sustainable.”
Claudi Williams, who coordinates Stroud District Action on Plastic and who runs Refill Stroud, added: "Many people in the Stroud district are utterly fed up with the amount of single-use plastic packaging in supermarkets.
“Over the last few years, local producers and shops have done an enormous amount to offer refill, reuse and repair opportunities.
“And while there is still more we can all do, we are fighting an uphill battle against these global companies."
Steve Hynd, local Green Party Cllr for The Stanleys and City to Sea’s Policy Manager, added: “It’s wonderful to see local organisations joining forces with global partners to demand change.
“I’m really proud of how many businesses around the district are taking steps to tackle their plastic footprint.”
The open letter coincides with World Refill Day.
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