Plastic Free Jersey in an initiative that brings together individuals, groups, businesses and organisations to reduce the amount of plastic we use. Surfers Against Sewage developed the scheme to tackle the plastic problem specifically in coastal areas. In order to be awarded with Plastic Free status we need to meet some strict criteria and everyone needs to get involved. Visit the Plastic Free Jersey website to register or for more information.
What you can do to help Jersey gain plastic free status
For Surfers Against Sewage to award us with plastic free status we need to show we meet the criteria. We need you to get involved at home, at work, at school or wherever you are. There are easy things you can do, such as:
- carry a bag with you so you don't need to buy a plastic bag when you're shopping
- use a reusable cup for tea and coffee on the go (you might even get a discount)
- take your own cutlery if you are eating out and about
- say no to straws
- look at plastic free alternatives for your home
- buy loose fruit and veg
- use refillable cleaning products
- use food containers rather than wrapping left overs in cling film
- shop in places that offer plastic free alternatives
- pick up plastic from the beach and country lanes when you are out
Get involved with Plastic Free Jersey
Whether you are at work, school or home we have created a Plastic Free Jersey toolkit to help you better understand how you can join in. To register or find out more visit the Plastic Free Jersey website or download the pdf toolkits:
Whenever you visit the beach see if you can pick up three items of rubbish. Download the beach bingo card to keep track of when you find some of the most common items found on our beaches. Mark off each item when you find it to see just how many of these you find.
Criteria for plastic free status
Local governance
States of Jersey has passed a resolution to support Plastic Free Jersey. We are committed to plastic free alternatives and supporting plastic reduction. As an organisation we have agreed to:
lead by example to remove single-use plastic items from premises
encourage plastic free initiatives
promote the campaign
support Plastic Free Jersey events
a representative of the States being named on the Plastic Free Jersey steering group
Local business
To be a Plastic Free Jersey business you will need to remove at least three single-use plastic items. Ideally you will remove the waste stream completely. If that isn't possible the it needs to be significantly reduced or replaced with a sustainable alternative.
Advice and support is available from Plastic Free Jersey.
Plastic free stakeholders
This objective is the broadest reaching and needs involvement from across Jersey. We need to:
gain widespread community support for Plastic Free Jersey
support from local media, including social media
engage key influencers and organisations
establish a Plastic Free Jersey steering group
hold events for general public and community involvement
use 50% of community spaces to show some engagement and participation
involve a minimum of 30% of schools
involve Highlands College
involve at least one flag-ship employer with over 100 staff
hold educational talks and presentations
Practical actions
We must show Surfers Against Sewage that everyone can get involved with Plastic Free Jersey though organising open events for everyone to attend. If you are interested in organising a beach clean you can find information on our beach cleaning webpage. We aim to organise:
at least two Plastic Free Jersey community events each year
at least two community beach cleans
an event to raise awareness for Plastic Free Jersey and Surfers Against Sewage
Local strategic groups
We need to develop a group of Plastic Free Jersey stakeholders which will include a representative from the States and the flagship business. This strategic group will:
gov.je