Exmouth has received official “plastic-free” status

The designation is given in appreciation for the effort that has been done to start minimising the environmental effects of single-use plastic.

Exmouth has joined a network of UK communities that are paving the way in the fight against disposable plastic at its source.

“When we received the email from Surfers Against Sewage, we were incredibly happy that our ongoing hard work had been recognised,” said Rachel Yates, SAS Plastic Free Communities Project Manager. The crew has worked really hard to get this honour. We want to keep working hard in the next months and years to ensure Exmouth continues to eliminate and minimise single-use plastics.”

“It’s great to see the work that Exmouth has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse. 

“We have over six hundred communities throughout the UK trying to eliminate single-use plastic and the impact it has on our environment. Every action those communities and people take is a step toward addressing the problem at its root, confronting our throwaway culture, and promoting the necessary habit and system reforms.”

Plastic Free Exmouth was founded in 2019 and has grown from strength to strength owing to an increasing number of amazing volunteers.

Businesses such as Pelosi Creative, Wildthing Macrame, and Two Drifters Distillery have removed/replaced at least three single-use goods as a Plastic Free Champion.

Plastic Free Exmouth have over 28 Plastic Free Champions and this number is continuing to increase. They also hold weekly beach cleans (8:30am on Sundays from Orcombe point); as well as cleans with local community organisations, schools and businesses.

A Plastic Free Festival happens every year and PFE (Plastic Free Exmouth) has participated in a variety of events that highlight the town’s growing eco-credentials. In addition, they have spoken at a variety of events, including visits to a number of local schools.

The group received the Environmental Impact award at the Exmouth Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in May 2022, and they have just filed for an award as part of the Exeter Sustainability Awards.

Exmouth Library, Exmouth Community College, Bassetts Farm Primary School, local charity store Sea Adora, and Exmouth in Bloom are among the 30 Community Allies that support PFE.

These are organisations, businesses, or individuals that have vowed to support Plastic Free Exmouth’s work while also aiming to minimise single-use plastic.

“Well done to the Plastic Free team, who have worked so hard for this, and to keep our beach clear of plastic and other litter. Thanks also to Councillor Alex Sadiq, our Deputy Mayor, and the Plastic Reduction working group, including hardworking staff at the Town Hall, through whose efforts plastic recycling bins in the Magnolia Centre, Strand, and seafront were increased and improved by East Devon District Council’s Streetscene.”

“Since 2019, Exmouth Town Council has been right alongside Plastic Free Exmouth in its aspirations, as have many local individuals,” said Councillor Tim Dumper, Chair of the Council’s Climate Emergency working group.