REDUCE –– REUSE –– REFUSE –– REFILL –– RECYCLE

The initiative is run by St. Andrews Environmental Network in partnership with the University of St. Andrews and in support of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Plastic Free Communities campaign. As the SAS Community Leader for St. Andrews, Daphne has been working towards gaining a Plastic Free status for the town. One of the key objectives is to engage with several local businesses to help them obtain SAS Plastic Free accreditation.

Over the past couple of years, the single-use plastics pollution has received increasing attention as it has become one of the most urgent environmental issues. The convenience of single-use plastics in conjunction with over-consumption has resulted in unprecedented high levels of plastic pollution. Single-use plastics within the retail sector and the fashion industry represent the main cause of plastic pollution on a global scale and no country is immune to the devastating effects of this unprecedented level of pollution. While international initiatives are being considered, the urgency of addressing the issue of plastic pollution requires immediate action at all levels – local, national, and international – simultaneously.

Therefore, individuals, local businesses, schools and the wider community can take action and provide viable solutions to the issue.