Problematic Plastic
Plastic can be a problem for wildlife, the environment, and cause other issues. Learn about how one local group is trying to tackle the problem and improve the environment for all, and what you can do.
Plastic Free Eastbourne
Plastic Free Eastbourne is a local charity which promotes the action we can all take to care for the planet and address the problems caused by plastic.
Plastic Free Eastbourne aims to improve the local environment with different initiatives and build relationships within our community to work towards Eastbourne’s carbon neutral goal for 2030.
To make Eastbourne a greener place, former geography teacher, Oliver Sterno, founded the community interest company.
Starting by cleaning a local beach around Holywell every Friday, Oliver went on to build a community of over 700 volunteers and began collaborating with the Borough Council, businesses and educational institutions.
As the inspirational founder of Plastic Free Eastbourne, he is a positive example of how one individual’s action can grow and make a bigger change.
Plastic free for you
The fantastic action of Plastic Free Eastbourne continues with regular park and beach cleans, and environmental initiatives within the local area.
They also campaign and fundraise for water refill points to reduce the use of single use plastic water bottles.
Working tirelessly to reduce plastic waste in and around Eastbourne they try to improve the environment for local people, but to improve our local area we all need to do our bit.
Check out www.plasticfreeeastbourne.co.uk to find out more.
Like Oliver – you can make a difference
These are easy things you can do to help your environment:
Support environmentally friendly shops and businesses.
Re-use a sustainable shopping bag rather than use plastic bags!
Buy food without plastic packing or use food refill stations.
Ask for a drink without a straw – straws are an unnecessary waste of materials.
Whether you’re grabbing a drink at the College refectory, out and about or at home, use something re-usable to prevent waste and use a lunch box rather than clingfilm.
Don’t leave litter anywhere, always put it in a bin and recycle where you can. Litter is a blot on our landscape, encourages vermin, and is harmful to animals.
Don’t flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper in your loo. Condoms, sanitary wear, nappies, and other waste can find it’s way into our oceans so put it in the appropriate bin.
Join a local litter pick or beach clean, and sign up to green initiatives – not only will you feel good for joining a local cause you’ll meet like minded people in your community that want to make a difference.
Time to take part
If you truly care about your environment, the wildlife, green initiatives, or the future of our planet, don’t just sit there – it’s time to take action!
To find out more go to Plastic Free Eastbourne. and check out events you can take part in, including:
Friday 12th May – Sunday 21st May – Spring Water Festival
Spring Water 23 | Plasticfree (plasticfreeeastbourne.co.uk)
The Spring Water Festival is run by Plastic Free Eastbourne and offers a range of activities for everyone, including, beach activities, sea sports, talks, stalls and other activities.
There is an eco-fair on Sunday 13th May at 9-4 Down at Western Lawns and a beach clean on Sunday 14th May at 2pm from Holywell to Sovereign Harbour.
The Blue Planet Conference is Thursday 18th May with a range of talks from several guest speakers about the environment. Get your free ticket now at Eventbrite.
Your campus
If you truly care about your environment, get involved with green initiatives at your campus and join the green initiative focus groups by contacting your Enrichment Co-ordinator:
Eastbourne – Daniella.ellingham@escg.ac.uk
Hastings Ore – Kieron.pierce@escg.ac.uk
Hastings Plaza – Dan.glover@escg.ac.uk
Lewes – Tessa.echalaz@escg.ac.uk
East Sussex College truly care about improving the environment and we are constantly looking at improving our sustainability.
To find out what green initiatives are going on at your college take a look at Home - The Greener Sussex project