Plastic Smart Charlbury

Plastic Smart Charlbury is an initiative to unite local organisations and residents in reducing plastic waste and pollution in our community, while also tackling climate change. Charlbury is joining hundreds of communities around the world in demonstrating that change is possible, and creating the conditions for governments and industry to take action.

Why “Plastic Smart”?

We recognise that plastics are valuable materials and that becoming “plastic free” is not realistic. Our aim is to move towards a circular economy, where materials are used sparingly, over and over again without losing their value.

Being smart about plastics also means making sure that any changes we make do not create other problems – for example replacing plastic with paper-based products is often worse for the climate. Although the contamination of our natural environment with plastic is very damaging, climate change poses an even more urgent and catastrophic threat to wildlife, and to us. We need to make sure that we tackle both issues together.

How does it work?

Households and organisations in and around Charlbury are invited to make commitments towards becoming more discerning in their use of plastics over the coming 12 months. They submit their action plan to the Sustainable Charlbury team and, once accepted, they are then affiliated to Plastic Smart Charlbury, can use the logo and will be celebrated in the local community in various ways. Participation is renewed each year.

We are looking for actions which support our four goals:

1. Reduce plastic use – e.g. by using own bags/containers, buying less stuff

2. Choose products made from recycled materials and which can be easily recycled

3. Recycle carefully

4. Keep plastics out of the environment

Get involved!

• Download our Guide (or Kids’ Guide) and action plan template (for households or organisations)
• Get in touch if you would like any individual support or to talk through ideas
• Email or post your completed action plan to plasticsmart@sustainablecharlbury.org or Sustainable Charlbury, c/o The Curiosities Company Ltd, 39 Sheep Street, Charlbury, OX7 3RR
• Join us! If you could spare a bit of time to help engage with Charlbury residents and organisations on joining Plastic Smart, please get in touch – we need you!