A Keele University lecturer has been helping Nantwich cut down on its plastic waste alongside a local action group.

Dr Sharon George has been working alongside the Plastic Free Nantwich group and has shared her expertise on plastic pollution and environmental sustainability with the local community to support the campaign.

Dr George’s first talk at The Leopard Tap pub in the town proved so popular that the pub was full, with more than 100 people coming to hear her speak, and another recent talk she gave in the ballroom of The Crown Hotel in Nantwich proved just as popular.

The group has now been able to spread their message to local event organisers, having arranged to sell reusable toughened plastic souvenir pint glasses to discourage the use of single-use plastic cups at the recent Nantwich Jazz Festival.

Dr George said: “The usage of single-use plastics is a huge problem. Often these materials are not easily recycled and they are very durable, lasting sometimes hundreds of years in the environment.

“Their use in packaging protects goods and is convenient but the plastic is often immediately discarded once we have bought or consumed our goods.

“The Plastic Free Nantwich campaign is challenging this practice and local people have come together to get behind the search for alternatives, such as the souvenir reusable cups which were promoted at the popular Nantwich Jazz Festival, with businesses supporting their use to avoid the waste of huge amounts of disposable plastic.

“This campaign is really ambitious but voices the passion people have to protect the environment. It also presents fantastic opportunities for businesses and the community to work together to innovate and make a real difference.”  

For more information about the campaign click here or visit the Plastic Free Nantwich Facebook page.