Those interested in volunteering are being asked to step forward to help their local community take a smart approach to plastic waste as part of Suffolk Action Week.
Suffolk Action Week is organised by Community Action Suffolk and will take place virtually between 5 – 11 October with a packed programme to give people the opportunity to learn more about volunteering in their local area.
As part of the programme, East Suffolk Greenprint Forum will be hosting two online sessions to introduce its Plastic Action Champion scheme, which is aimed at encouraging more people to learn about their environmental impact, take actions to reduce their plastic waste and spread the word on environmental issues.
Those interested in learning more about the scheme are invited to attend an online introduction session followed by an online training session for new and existing Champions.
Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk cabinet member for the Environment, said: “We can all help to tackle environmental issues such as plastic waste, starting in our own homes by reducing the amount of waste we use. However, we can really make a difference by getting whole communities involved.
“Becoming a Plastic Action Champion is ideal for those who want to take further positive action and help others within their community to become ‘plastic clever’ through advice and education and shed light on local issues, such as littering.
“Looking at how it affects both us and the environment, it has never been more important to help local communities tackle these issues. For example, litter never stays in the place it was dropped. It migrates through rivers and streams to eventually create additional pollution along the coast. It then enters our seas where it damages marine life and breaks down into smaller pieces which can then enter our food chain.
“Small changes make a big difference over time, and following the Council’s climate emergency declaration last this, the Plastic Action Champion scheme is really helping to make a positive difference in our communities and the lives of residents.”
The role of a Champion includes volunteering in their local community for a minimum of 20 hours annually. The role is fully flexible and how Champions use those 20 hours is up to them. Examples can include reaching out to local community groups and businesses, blogging about relevant topics, and organising litter picks and surveys.
Those interested are invited to book a place at one of the following sessions provided by the Greenprint Forum and Jason Alexander from Rubbish Walks:
- Monday 5 October 7pm – 7.30pm: introduction to the Plastic Action Champions scheme
- Thursday 8 October 7pm – 8.30pm: training session for new and existing Champions
Booking is essential so make sure you register your place by emailing greenissues@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.
The scheme is part of the Greenprint Forum’s ongoing Plastic Action campaign which is part funded by the former East Suffolk Partnership and the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB Sustainable Development Fund.
The East Suffolk Greenprint Forum is a voluntary network open to all and facilitated by the Council. It aspires to improve the quality of life in the district while reducing the impact on the environment.
For more information about the Greenprint Forum, go to www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/environment/east-suffolk-greenprint-forum/.
For more information about Suffolk Action Week, go to www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/volunteering/suffolk-action-week-2020/.