Waitrose funded projects tackle the scourge of plastic pollution
Technology that prevents fishing nets being lost at sea is among a number of projects helping in the fight against plastic pollution, nearly two years after being awarded funding from Waitrose.
A new report flags progress made by the retailer’s Plan Plastic - The Million Pound Challenge, which was launched in 2019.
The £1 million fund, which originated from the sale of 5p carrier bags, was used to provide grants ranging from £150,000 to £300,000.
Environmental charity Hubbub worked with Waitrose to support five chosen projects and to measure the impact of their work.
This includes Blue Marine Foundation, which has developed a cost-effective beacon for fishermen to stop fishing gear becoming plastic pollution in the marine environment. It has trialled over 100 beacons at sea with fishermen in the south west of England.
Onion Collective and Biohm, meanwhile, created a bio-recycling facility to carry out research into ‘mycelium’ (the root-structure of mushrooms) to break down and digest plastic. This also created jobs and helped to regenerate an old paper mill in Watchet.
Marija Rompani, Partner and Director, Ethics & Sustainability, Waitrose, says: “It is essential we continue to eliminate single-use plastic in our business, but also support progress made by other organisations in the wider world.”
“All these inspirational projects have proven their ability to create real impact in tackling environmental issues and encouraging behaviour change.”
“Action on a larger scale is now needed to make a significant difference in our collective fight against plastic pollution.”