Banter 119: 13May26 Plastic-Free Communities, with Ally De Trey
Video Timeline (min:sec):
00:00 - 40:57 Presentation
40:57 - 60:24 (end) Q & A
Presentation - Banter 119
You are welcome to download either the Powerpoint version or the PDF version. A markdown version (text only) is available at the bottom of this page
Meeting Summary - Banter 119:
May 13, 2026 11:39 AM London ID: 834 5460 8536
Quick recap
This meeting featured a presentation by Ally about the problem of single-use plastic pollution, particularly focusing on Bembridge's efforts to become a plastic-free community. Ally shared statistics on plastic production, recycling rates, and the environmental impact of plastic waste, including data from Greenpeace and Surfers Against Sewage. She described Bembridge's five-step approach to becoming plastic-free, which included engaging local councils, working with businesses, inspiring the community, mobilizing through beach cleans, and forming a steering group. The discussion included challenges around getting community involvement and the difficulty of finding affordable plastic-free alternatives to supermarket products. Participants shared their experiences and concerns about plastic pollution, including the effectiveness of recycling, the role of supermarkets in plastic usage, and the impact of incineration versus landfill. The conversation ended with discussions about legislation like the extended producer responsibility and deposit return scheme, as well as the importance of both top-down government action and bottom-up community initiatives in addressing plastic pollution.
Next steps
Steve and Sarah: Meet to discuss bringing ideas from this meeting to their local climate change forum and potentially initiate a "pincer movement" within their borough to advance plastic reduction efforts.
Sarah: Encourage people in her borough to use the information from this meeting (once online) and take ideas forward to the next climate change forum meeting.
Sarah: Raise the presentation and its useful pointers (including legislation) with the Association of Local Councils in Kent.
Ally: Consider organizing a "mass unwrap" event in Bembridge, with the aim to find another volunteer to help run it, following guidance from Surfs Against Sewage.
Helen (Weymouth Town Councillor): Work on improving communication to visitors about water refill points and plastic reduction expectations in Weymouth, including placing notices in car parks and publicizing the council's sustainability initiatives.
Helen: Look into extended producer responsibility legislation and consider how to hold local producers to account and leverage this for council funding/support.
Ally: Continue efforts to engage more volunteers and community members to help organize events, talk to businesses, and expand the plastic-free initiative in Bembridge.
Chat - Banter 119:
00:52:58 Peter Bates: Sorry I need to go 01:24:32 Garry Ford - Corsham Town Council: I was going to mention deposit return scheme. 01:25:37 frank deas: got to go, many thanks for a very interesting talk Ally
Markdown version of the presentation (text only)
Plastic Free Bembridge
Agenda
The Scale of the Problem
Who are the Main Offenders
Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Initiative
What this looks like in Bembridge
What can you do in your community?
Legislation and National Action
The Scale of the Problem
Over 99% of plastic is made from fossil fuels
1 in 10 barrels of oil is used to make new plastic
Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production are set to triple by 2050, accounting for 25–30% of the global carbon budget
Only about 9% of plastic ever made globally is recycled
Plastics persist for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics
Microplastics have been found everywhere:
deep oceans
human brains
Reference:
Packaging Waste
65% of fruit and vegetable packaging is incinerated, not recycled
Single-use Plastics — Main Offenders
condiment sachets
plastic cups
disposable hot drink cups
wet wipes & period products
takeaway containers
balloons
plastic bags
food & drink packaging
plastic drink bottles
Surfers Against Sewage 2025 Brand Audit
(Images/graphics in original slides)
Surfers Against Sewage — Plastic Free Initiative
SAS 5-step model
Engage local councils
Work with local businesses
Help them reduce single-use plastics
Inspire the local community
Spread the plastic free message
Mobilise the local community
Examples:
beach cleans
talks
workshops
awareness campaigns
mass unwraps
Bring together a local steering group
Examples:
business leaders
councillors
SAS regional reps
campaigners
Building Plastic Free Bembridge
Started with beach cleans in 2023
Official launch: Spring 2024
Requirements included:
support from the Parish Council
establishment of a Steering Group
at least two community events
network of Community Allies
three accredited Plastic Free businesses
Result
Awarded Plastic Free Bembridge Status:
May 2025
Plastic Free Businesses
Bembridge Barbers — Gold Award
Actions:
eliminated most single-use plastic
reusable cups and lunch boxes
refill products from Sea-Room
participated in SAS beach clean
wrote to MP supporting national campaign against plastic pollution
Sea-Room — Gold Award
Sea-Room is a zero-waste shop.
Actions:
eliminated most single-use plastic
refill products for:
laundry
home care
body care
hair care
attended Plastic Free Communities launch
wrote to MP supporting national campaign against plastic pollution
Who Can Be an Ally?
Potential allies:
schools
community spaces
community groups
media
events
Community Allies Pledge
Plastic Free Communities pledge:
remove at least three single-use plastics from normal activities
include anti-single-use-plastic stance in communications
raise awareness and support local plastic free initiatives
Local Bembridge Allies
Examples shown:
Bembridge Library
Bembridge Village Hall
Bembridge Community Notice Board
Bembridge Parish Council information
The Elms & Inver House
People versus Plastic Campaign 2025
Campaign linked to:
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations
Highlights:
no agreement reached last August
met local MP in Parliament and gained support
“Octopus Dave” taken around the Isle of Wight during negotiations
awareness raised locally about plastic pollution
What Can You Do?
Use Plastic Free Products
shop locally
shop online responsibly
The 6 Rs
REFUSE
REUSE
REFILL
RECYCLE
RESEARCH
RALLY
Research
alternative plastic free products
local plastic free businesses
Rally
connect with local Plastic Free Community
raise awareness
recruit motivated volunteers
set up new Plastic Free Communities
Remember the SAS 5-step Model
1. Get support from local council
Town or Parish Council support is important.
2. Create a local steering group
3. Work with local businesses
Help them reduce single-use plastics.
4. Inspire the local community
Examples:
schools
media
community spaces
community groups
local branches of national businesses
fairs and festivals
5. Mobilise the local community
Examples:
beach cleans
litter picks
awareness events
mass unwraps
encouraging individual action
From Linear Economy …
(Original slide graphic)
… To Circular Economy
Key principles:
Return
Re-use
Re-cycle
Recent Legislation
Simpler Recycling for England
Categories:
food & garden waste
paper & card
glass
metal
plastic
cartons
general waste
Implementation:
31 March 2026
Plastic film & plastic bags:
31 March 2027
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Applies to:
producers with turnover > £1,000,000
Requirements:
fees based on packaging from previous fiscal year
supports local councils
Implementation:
31 March 2026
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
drinks containers
20p refundable deposit
grocery retailers act as return points
Implementation:
1 October 2027
References
Simpler Recycling
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-household-recycling-in-england
Extended Producer Responsibility
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-who-is-affected-and-what-to-do
Deposit Return Scheme
https://defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk/2025/01/31/introducing-the-deposit-return-scheme-for-drinks-containers/
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