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Plastic-free Poplar was a community-led project focused on reducing single-use plastic in and around Chrisp Street market in Poplar, East London. We supported the local community to take action and come together to create a planet-friendly action plan. Also, to find practical solutions for the day-to-day, to reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions in our food systems. Making Poplar greener.
Plastic Free Poplar was part of the JUST FACT project, which stands for a Just Food and Climate Transition, supporting community-led climate action in Tower Hamlets. Partnering with local residents and community organisations, this ambitious new project coordinated by the Women's Environmental Network - WEN - focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of our carbon-heavy food system.
BRING YOUR OWN BAG CAMPAIGN 2023
The "Bring Your Own Bag" also known as the BYOB campaign was launched on the 9th of March 2023. This project was funded by Tower Hamlets Community Fund to pilot one of the community actions voted for by locals.
We worked with local schools and community groups to create a marketing campaign around the Chrisp Street Market, E14 area. The posters, stickers and signs invited local shoppers to ‘bring your own bag’ to reduce plastic pollution. We worked in partnership with market stallholders and local businesses to share the message and encourage positive change.
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Our Plastic Problem
Our food comes wrapped in plastics, grown in plastic and carried home in plastics.
Our food systems are full of single-use plastics and we want to break this cycle.
Plastics are toxic for our planet as they do not biodegrade, creating tonnes of plastic waste leading to the accumulation of microplastics in our water, soil and ultimately our food.
Did you know 29% of plastic found in UK shops is either difficult or impossible to recycle*.
*Statistic from Which?
The Power Of A Community
We believe in giving power to the community to create their own food systems, without having to rely on the highly polluting practices of larger food corporations, as an important step in the transition towards healthier and sustainable living for everyone. The aim is not only to teach about the havoc that single-use plastics wreak on our planet but also to share solutions to create a space where wisdom can be offered and received in equal measure. Do you live in the Poplar area and want to be involved or know any local low-waste champions?
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Why not send us an email or message us on Instagram? Keep up to date by following our Plastic Free Poplar facebook page.
Schools
Local schools, Lansbury Lawrence and Manorfield Primary learnt about the impact of single-use plastics. They have shared how they can help and created an art exhibition in Chrisp Street Market to highlight the plastic pollution problem and raise awareness in the community.
