Plastic Free Chesterfield Celebrate Success Despite Pandemic

Chesterfield single-use plastic campaign group, Plastic Free Chesterfield, is to host an online end-of-year event on Wednesday 16th December to celebrate the group’s achievements and efforts this year. 

Despite being in a pandemic, Plastic Free Chesterfield have held twelve events this year, with only two being in-person. On top of this, the group are also celebrating the news that 50 Chesterfield businesses have now signed up to their campaign, making at least three swaps away from single-use plastics and thus becoming awarded official Plastic Free Champion status.

Greg Hewitt, Plastic Free Chesterfield’s Community Lead, said: “Looking back over this year and with all the challenges we’ve faced, it really feels incredible with how much we’ve achieved this year. We’ve been joined online by speakers from Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and even local charity Don Catchment Rivers Trust, and people all over the country signed up to enjoy the presentations.”

Greg continued: “And to reach 50 Plastic Free Champions is absolutely amazing. There are so many great small independent businesses here in Chesterfield that are environmentally conscious and want to do their bit to reduce single-use plastic, and we’re delighted to be able to officially award them for their efforts and have them share our vision to make Chesterfield an accredited Plastic Free Community.”

One such business is Hogg Norton, who specialises in natural fruit liqueurs. Business owner Mike Norton said “Using alternatives to plastic is a way we can do our bit for the environment we live in. If everyone did the same then we can all make a difference and we are proud at Hogg Norton to be doing our bit.”

Another business, Crafty Juju Designs, has also been awarded for their efforts which include producing hundreds of reusable face coverings. Julie Barnes, the business owner, said: “As a family, we have always tried to do the most we can to limit our impact on the environment, and this does follow through to my home business. I feel it is most important to reduce our use of single-use plastic to a point we can get rid of it all together.”

The group’s celebration event takes place on Wednesday 16th December, 8 pm, via Zoom, featuring live music and a Plastic Free rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Details can be found via the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/events/196430782014844