From Surfers Against Sewage to Friends of the Earth, these are the UK wide campaigns you can get behind
I think we can all agree that plastic is bad news. It’s polluting our ocean, land and sea and we need to do something about it.
So, we’ve compiled all the need-to-know information about the nation-wide plastic-free campaigns in the UK.
These guys are the big cheeses of the plastic-free world, so you should probably know a little bit more about them before joining their campaigns.
Surfers Against Sewage
These guys are arguably the biggest plastic-free organisation in the UK. What started as a grassroots movement to rid our coastlines of plastic has become a nation-wide network of communities (478 and counting, according to their website).
Check their site to get in touch with your local rep, or if you can’t see your area on the list, sign up to become
Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth run several well-known campaigns in the UK, including campaigns against climate change, air pollution and fracking. They also run a nation-wide campaign against plastic. Their site provides some great resources and information, as well as the opportunity to sign their petition.
There are local groups to join all over the UK, simply search their site to find your nearest group, or start one yourself if you have the necessary hutzpah.
Greenpeace
Greenpeace runs an Ocean Plastics campaign that has global reach and huge impact. They have petitions available to sign on their website as well as resources to help you measure your plastic impact on the environment.
Take their plastics
Plastic-free periods
Run by City to Sea, the plastic-free periods campaign aims to reduce the impact that plastic-laden period products have on our ocean. The non-profit organisation encourages people to use reusable menstrual products.
They’ve also got a great resource page about which products would suit you, as well as an option to donate towards the page.
Plastic Free Pledge
This nationwide campaign encourages businesses and individuals to sign a plastic-free pledge.
They’re also running a campaign called ‘DESTRAW‘ at the moment, which is all about pledging against plastic straws and educating people and businesses on the alternatives.
You can get involved by sharing their message over social media and taking the pledge yourself.
Plastic-free Me
The Plastic-free Me campaign aims to raise awareness of the growing plastic problem, empower individuals and work alongside consumer outlets to make plastic-free living more sustainable.
The campaign includes a pledge for individuals, as well as ways to get involved with national events. The organisation often make impact with artwork, like their human aquarium project last year.
Plastic Pollution Coalition
The Plastic Pollution Coalition offers global coverage and action against our plastic problem.
The organisation even has an option for island citizens to get a plastic-free status for their island – we think that’s pretty cool.
Through their ‘take action’ page you can make your voice heard by supporting plastic-free projects all over the world.
Marine Conservation Society
There are loads of campaigns to get involved with with the Marine Conservation Society, including their #wildbottlesighting campaign.
They propose that with every purchase of a container you’d pay a deposit, and when you return the container to the supermarket or shop, you’d get the deposit back.
Action points are available on the site, from using a reusable bottle to reporting any ‘wild bottle’ sightings on social media to spread awareness.