Plastic is a fashionable topic to talk about these days. In a relatively short space of time we have become a society where businesses are being pressured by customers and the media to reduce or eliminate single use plastics.

Businesses have a pivotal role in the fight against single-use plastic. By refusing to supply it, we start to turn off plastic pollution at source.

As The Guardian states: “Businesses should heed new research that shows customers expect them to make money while doing something good for the world”

As a consumer-facing business, you have a huge opportunity
to make a difference. Customers expect change and are favouring
venues that take sustainability seriously

• More than 90% of consumers say they would be more likely to go to a venue that publicises its environmental impact
• 88% of consumers would like businesses to help them be more environmentally friendly in their daily life
• 74% of millennials and 72% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. And 42% of millennials said they have begun or deepened a business relationship because they perceive a company’s products or services to have a positive impact on society and/or the environment
• If customers don’t feel a business is doing their bit to save the environment, there is almost a 90% chance they won’t visit that business again. Continuing with ‘business as usual’ is a risk
• An estimated $1.2 trillion opportunity exists for brands that make their sustainability credentials clear (link)

Why Should Businesses Look to Phase out Single Use Plastics? (Taken from Less Plastic)

• Be a leader in your industry
  Lead the way by adopting sustainable practices that work for your business without costing the earth
• Save money
  Many of the disposable items you currently invest in can be replaced with reusable items that will save you from frequently buying and replacing stock
• Reduce your waste disposal costs
  Businesses face high costs for disposing of plastic and other materials, whether for recycling or landfill. Reducing the waste you generate will save you money as well as improving your green credentials
• Attract & keep eco-friendly customers (and staff!)
  Once a fringe movement, Green consumers are now a growing tribe of passionate, vocal customers whose loyalty is worth earning. If you actively show you are trying to do the right thing for the planet, they are very likely to become your most loyal advocates. The best employees are also attracted to sustainable businesses
• Win recognition for your Green practices
  Sustainable practices will help you receive recognition from independent bodies such as Green Tourism, which gives you great positive social media and PR stories to share with customers and suppliers alike, and raise your profile among new audiences
• Avert future litigation
  As a ClientEarth report highlighted, businesses that continue to generate plastic waste without deploying any significant reduction efforts face serious risk of litigation

Businesses that make at least three plastic free swaps in their business are eligible for an award (plaque and certificate) and free publicity from our group.

If you want to know how to reduce single use plastics in your business, contact us via the Contact tab to arrange a discussion on how you can make a start.

Or if you’re ready to apply for an award, please visit the Plastic Free Communities website.