North Londoners are being urged to join the reusable revolution, as 80% say they want to reduce the amount of single-use plastics they use to help protect the environment.
Following a successful trial in Barnet, North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has joined forces with Hackney, Haringey, Camden, Enfield and Islington councils to roll out the ‘Bring It’ campaign.
With north London households throwing out 46 million pieces of plastic each week – enough to fill 717 football pitches – they are being encouraged to opt for reusable alternatives they can fill with food or drink time and time again.
It comes as 95% of residents say they already use reusable bags, and 90% say they already use reusable water bottles. Switching to reusable coffee cups and food containers as well could drastically reduce the amount of plastic going to waste and polluting the planet.
Research carried out by NLWA also shows:
- 78% of north London residents are concerned about the environmental impact of plastic packaging.
- 78% of north London residents believe reducing single-use plastic use helps play a part in protecting the planet for further generations.
- Switching to reusable alternatives could reduce your carbon footprint by 457kg per year - that's over 2.3 years of charging your phone in a north London café.
- A family of four could save almost £5,000 by switching to reusable cups, bottles and containers.
Councillor Clyde Loakes, Chair of NLWA, said: “The rise in popularity and convenience of single-use plastics is having a devastating impact on the environment, polluting our waters, threatening our biodiversity and even invading our food chain. Just 12% of the plastic packaging we throw away gets recycled, which is why using reusable alternatives is the best choice for our planet.
“We can all make a difference and play our part in tackling the climate emergency by remembering to bring our water bottles, coffee cups, tote bags and containers. Shops, cafes, restaurants and takeaways are usually happy to fill up your reusables, with many even offering discounts to customers who ditch single-use plastic.
“By joining the many local heroes who are already part of the reusable revolution, you could protect wildlife, save resources and energy and even cut costs.”
The campaign, which features real north London residents and businesses, can be seen on billboards and bus stops across the target areas of Chatsworth Road, Kilburn High Road, Palmers Green High Road, Wood Green High Road and Upper Street.
It comes after the Barnet trial resulted in a 16% increase in the self-reported use of reusable coffee cups, a 9% rise in reusable bag usage and an 8% improvement in the use of reusable water bottles. One in four Barnet locals said they remembered seeing the ‘Bring It, Barnet’ campaign.
To find out more, visit: bringitnorthlondon.co.uk
