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Be Part of the Solution by Committing to Cutting Your Waste

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Keep Wales Tidy want to build a network of businesses across Wales that are dedicated to the Caru Cymru movement and celebrate the positive actions they’re taking to eliminate litter and waste.

Their new campaign encourages businesses and organisations to pledge their commitment to four Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair.

One of the first businesses in Wales to pledge their support is PLANED, a community-led development organisation based in the market town of Narberth in Pembrokeshire. Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive was quick to implement green and innovative practices when he took over as CEO in 2019.

Some of the ways in which PLANED has demonstrated their commitment to achieving zero waste is becoming a paperless free business, the removal of individual office bins to promote proper recycling, providing a recycling plastic and cardboard bin, using energy efficient light sensors in all office and toilet spaces, installing solar panels on external buildings, providing a food compostable bin, and switching to an energy efficient water boiler in the kitchen. All new employees are also given a brief about waste reduction and the expectations of what they are required to do when working from the office.

Cris Tomos from PLANED talks to S4C about how PLANED have reduced the amount of waste over the past few years

As a result of Keep Wales Tidy’s promotional work to raise awareness to other businesses, PLANED has featured on S4C’s Prynhawn Da magazine show highlighting how efficient they have become and offering inspiration to other businesses to do the same.

Chief Executive of PLANED Iwan Thomas alongside Keep Wales Tidy’s new CEO Owen Derbyshire during the S4C filming day

Long Course Weekend has been working tirelessly over the past 10 years to reduce their footprint and encourage their athletes and spectators to do the same. The “Leave No Trace” campaign has been very successful across regional events, yet the sheer size and scale of Long Course Weekend Wales, attracting over 10,000 athletes and 30,000 spectators, makes for a tough challenge. Long Course Weekend Wales drafted in the help of Simon Preddy, Regional Manager for Keep Wales Tidy and his expert team to assist in not only reducing waste at the event, but to educate all attendees and the local population of the incredible work they do across Wales.

Global Relationship Manager Oliver Duckett:

“Simon and his team did an incredible job at Long Course Weekend Wales this year and we can't thank them enough for their support. There was a strong presence on the beach on the Friday night which encouraged members of the public to assist in the clean-up operation, resulting in a quicker clean down and increased recycling targets being achieved. Having a Keep Wales Tidy stand at the Expo was a huge addition to our event offering and maximised the exposure and messaging of the awesome work they are doing. I look forward to developing this relationship for many years to come.”

Long Course Weekend in Tenby were delighted to work with Keep Wales Tidy on eliminating litter at this year’s event

James Thompson, Waste Awareness and Enforcement Manager from Powys County Council explained that their Catering Services and Commercial Recycling has implemented changes in recent years.

James commented,

“All our commercial food waste gets sent for anaerobic digestion to make green electricity and fertiliser, we also use reusable water bottles and food trays, and water fountains are connected to the mains supply to reduce the use of single plastics. The Catering department also use a Biomass boiler which not only supplies energy, but it also helps with the disposal of wood and other materials' waste. Replacing a coal or electric heating system with a Biomass boiler can help reduce your carbon dioxide output.”

Powys County Council Catering Services have implemented many waste reducing initiatives over the past year

James also went on tell us that Powys County Council is doing a number of initiatives in its bid to become more greener such as money off a cup of coffee if you use a reusable mug. Local schools throughout Powys are also using reusable water bottles, water fountains and reusable plates in their canteens.

Keep Wales Tidy are asking business to complete the simple pledge form:

Caru Cymru – Commit to Cutting Your Waste

Helpful information and resources

There is a lot of advice out there for businesses looking to cut their waste. Some of this advice is great; some is less helpful and potentially misleading. Compostable materials, biodegradables, recycling infrastructure, circular economy – doing the right thing can seem overwhelming.

Keep Wales Tidy has provided some helpful information and downloadable resources for businesses tackling waste and also for event organisers.

These can be viewed and downloaded below:

Tackling Waste Business Toolkit

Does your business need inspiration?

Here are some ideas below that range from quick wins to long-term changes.

  • Quick win is to not give out single use items like single-use cups, cutlery and plastic straws unless specifically asked. Of course, it’s even better to eliminate unnecessary single use plastics entirely!
  • Don’t over order. A ‘just in time’ policy avoids unnecessary storage, unsold or damaged goods
  • Ditch plastic milk containers for glass bottles delivered to your door – supporting a local business in the process.
  • Nominate a ‘Waste Champion’ who can be responsible for reviewing procurement and engaging with customers and staff.
  • Provide food composting facilities.
  • Encourage staff to share ‘zero waste’ tips on your intranet or noticeboard.
  • Make the switch from virgin toilet paper to recycled products or other alternatives such as bamboo.
  • Eliminate plastic giveaways at events and conferences and consider sustainable alternatives or a virtual offer.
  • Ensure magazine, news and membership services are digital options rather than paper format.
  • Become a paper free organisation.

To pledge your support, for more information and to download resources, visit the Keep Wales Tidy website.

Business News Wales