To: Taunton Deane Borough Council

Taunton Deane go single-use plastic free

23/02/18 We Won

Our plastics petition was presented to a full meeting of Taunton Deane Borough Council last night and was well received.

There was support from all sides of the chamber and councillors unanimously voted to back our call for Taunton Deane to become a single-use free plastic council, including on dates for reporting back on progress.

861 people signed the petition (including paper copies) which made a difference in letting councillors know they were under a spotlight. They were keen to show their support and many brought reusable mugs and bottles to the meeting, including the Lady Mayor, who chaired proceedings.

There is a report with some further details and a picture here: wiveyaction.org.uk/2018/01/25/plastics-petition/

Thank you for your support.

Transition Athelney
Quantock Eco
Taunton Transition Town
Transition Town Wellington
Wivey Action on Climate & Environment

Taunton Deane go single-use plastic free

Recognising the waste and pollution caused by plastics, we ask that Taunton Deane Borough Council resolves to become a 'single-use plastic free' council by:
a) Phasing out single-use plastic products, such as bottles, cups, cutlery and drinking straws, and the unnecessary use of plastic bags in all council activities, where reasonable and possible, by April 2019.
b) Encouraging users of Council facilities, local businesses and other local public agencies to do the same, by championing alternatives, such as reusable water bottles, cups, cutlery and bags.
c) Submitting a public report to the Council by October 2018, which summarises single-use plastic within the council, progress and plans for phasing it out, including by encouraging others; with a further update by April 2019.

Why is this important?

Single-use plastic is a symptom of a throwaway and wasteful culture. Plastics are now littering our coastlines and polluting our seas. It is being swallowed and eaten and is killing wildlife.

Many alternatives exist. We can refill and reuse water bottles - public drinking fountains can help. Cups should be washed and reused. Cutlery should be reusable or, if necessary, compostable. Straws can be avoided or, if necessary, there are alternatives to plastic. Plastic bags can often be avoided through using long-life reusable carriers instead or, if necessary, other materials.

Taunton Deane Borough Council can take a lead and show what can be done.

Petition promoted by:
Transition Athelney
Quantock Eco
Taunton Transition Town
Transition Town Wellington
Wivey Action on Climate & Environment

How it will be delivered

Once we have over 200 supporters living in Taunton Deane, we will be able to present the petition for debate at a full meeting of the Borough Council, either in February or April 2018.

Maps © Stamen; Data © OSM and contributors, ODbL

Check out

Campaign Website

Updates

2018-02-23 15:28:29 +0000

Petition is successful with 847 signatures

2018-02-22 23:32:10 +0000

WE WON - The petition was presented to a full meeting of Taunton Deane Borough Council on 22 February 2018. After a debate involving many councillors from all parties, the Council unanimously backed our petition.
For further details visit: https://wiveyaction.org.uk/2018/01/25/plastics-petition/

2018-02-18 18:19:49 +0000

Keep signing the petition, which will be presented for debate at a full meeting of Taunton Deane Borough Council at 6:30pm on Thursday, 22nd February 2018 at Shire Hall, Shuttern, Taunton. Supporters and groups promoting the petition will be meeting outside at 6pm. The Council meeting is open to the public and it is OK to just attend for the petition. See agenda details (petition is item 6) on TDBC's website at: http://www2.tauntondeane.gov.uk/webpages/tdbcagendas/Meeting.aspx?MID=20182111

2018-01-30 19:53:10 +0000

500 signatures reached

2018-01-25 22:11:28 +0000

100 signatures reached

2018-01-25 16:34:08 +0000

50 signatures reached

2018-01-25 13:04:49 +0000

25 signatures reached

2018-01-25 08:07:40 +0000

10 signatures reached