Council supports Plastic Free July to cut waste and improve sustainability

Throughout the month, the council will provide advice and information to help people to reduce their reliance on disposable plastics, and will also be giving away free, reusable aluminium water bottles in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield town centres.

Pollution from plastic waste causes severe environmental damage, and the use of fossil fuels in the production of plastics contributes to climate change. In the UK alone, households throw away an estimated 1.7 billion pieces of plastic per week.

Plastic Free July aims to tackle these problems by inspiring people to adopt sustainable habits and reduce their plastic consumption. In support of the campaign, the council will hand out free, reusable water bottles on the following dates:

• Wednesday 2 July 1 – 4pm at The Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
• Wednesday 16 July 1-4pm at White Lion Square, Hatfield
• Thursday 24 July 1-4pm at The Howard Centre, Welwyn Garden City
• Monday 28 July 1-4pm at White Lion Square, Hatfield

At each event, council officers will also provide advice and support to help residents switch to sustainable alternatives and improve their recycling habits.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is endeavouring to reduce single-use plastics across its own operations and adopting sustainable alternatives where possible. To help spur broader change, the council is also encouraging use of the Refill app, which signposts to local businesses that provide free water refills and discounts for customers who bring their own coffee cups.

Councillor Max Holloway, Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economic Development and Climate Change, said:

“Plastic pollution is extremely damaging to the environment, and the production of plastics releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

“As a council, we are committed to taking action on climate change. We want to help as many residents and businesses as we can to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, switch to more sustainable alternatives, and increase their recycling. Even small changes like carrying a reusable bottle can add up to make a big difference. By working together, we can all play our part in working towards a plastic-free future.”

Visit the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council website for guidance on what can be recycled and how to dispose of items responsibly.

To find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit Plastic Free July.