MARINE conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage has recognised Uffculme’s efforts to reduce the impact of single use plastic on the environment.

The village has joined a network of communities across the UK in being awarded Plastic Free Community status.

Uffculme Green Team started the campaign last year after years of promoting ways local people could improve their environment.

It pulled together key organisations and businesses in the town to put in place a five-point plan to reduce the amount of disposable plastics used.

Green Team lead Delia Kennedy said: “The groups involved in this project have been amazingly supportive, encouraging and keen. It’s an ongoing journey and, of course, the village isn’t completely plastic-free, but we are excited to have raised awareness across all local businesses and members of our community. We have made a superb start.”

Businesses have been re-thinking their single use plastic products and finding alternative solutions. Most caterers have stopped using plastic cutlery and glasses, and are replacing them with cardboard, paper and wooden utensils.

The Green Team organises regular litter picks across the village, has held three Green Day events to promote awareness of green issues and supported local shows.

A group including the Green Team, WI, the church, the parish council and Kingwood Childcare and Pre-School led a Mass Unwrap event at the local Co-op supermarket, which was supportive of the event.

SAS Plastic Free Communities project officer Rachel Yates said: “It’s great to see the work that Uffculme has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse. 

“We have over 600 communities across the UK working to reduce single use plastic and the impact it has on our environment. Every step those communities and the individuals in them take is a step towards tackling the problem at source, challenging our throwaway culture and encouraging the habit and system changes we need to see.”