A Newham sustainability initiative has been recognised for its work encouraging local people and businesses to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.
More than 30 people met at Forest Gate Library on 3 February to celebrate Plastic Free Forest Gate’s accreditation as part of the nationwide Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities Initiative.
Cathy Stack is a founding member of the local sustainability group Eco7, which runs Plastic Free Forest Gate and other sustainability campaigns. She said of the event: “It epitomised what a plastic-free community is all about.
“It wasn’t Eco7 celebrating their success, it was Eco7 thanking everyone for getting on board. It just takes someone to be a catalyst. We’ve got a great community in Forest Gate”.
Stack said the aim of the initiative is to reduce plastic usage across the entire community, rather than have just a few people stop using single-use plastics entirely. “The idea is that it’s achievable”, she continued.
The accreditation comes after two years of community action by Eco7 volunteers, including getting 12 local businesses to pledge to reduce plastic waste - for example by no longer offering plastic carrier bags.
One business which has become involved in the initiative is Madinah Dry Cleaners on Woodgrange Road. The shop had been implementing sustainable practices for years, such as providing biodegradable covers for their dry cleaning, but said the campaign helped them feel supported as they furthered their efforts.
Hamzah Vaid, of Madinah Dry Cleaners, said: “It’s good to be part of the group. We’ve always believed in this, and this local initiative has motivated us to continue doing it.
“Before we met Cathy [Stack], we thought we were the only ones doing it, and there was a financial cost. But now lots of other businesses are joining in”.
For Eco7’s volunteers, the scheme offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a time of growing anxiety about the climate. “It’s important, psychologically - when the news about climate is getting a bit scary - to give people something they can do”, Ms Stack said.
Cllr Rachel Tripp, who volunteers with the group, added: “Many small actions can add up to a big change. The best thing we can all do is get together and support our communities”.
Eco7 is still organising events and welcoming new volunteers. “We don’t see this stopping at Forest Gate”, Cllr Tripp continued. “We’d love other interested groups to create plastic free communities across Newham, and I’m always happy to talk to people who’d like to establish them”.
Forest Gate residents, businesses and community groups can find out more and sign up here.