A Christmas tree displaying decorations made entirely from single use plastics (rubbish) – drinks bottles, cups and lids, plastic wrappings, food containers etc., was installed on Rotary Corner in Settle.
The tree was decorated by members of the Making Settle a Plastic Free Town Group, who are working towards freeing Settle and Giggleswick from single use plastics. The decorations were made by plastic free group member Sheila Gooch. Sponsorship was provided by Settle Rotary Club.
The plastic free group aim to gain national accreditation for Settle as a plastic free town by the lead organisation, Surfers Against Sewage. Many local businesses have been contacted to ask if they will sign up to become plastic free, and some have taken up the challenge. The Settle Swimming Pool fundraising shop and the Wholesome Bee have successfully been accredited. More business involvement is needed to try and reduce their use of single use plastics and to gain accreditation for doing so, perhaps by providing paper bags to customers instead of plastic, by using cardboard rather than plastic containers for take away food, etc. Schools can take part too, letters have been sent to all local schools.
Settle Town Council and Giggleswick Parish Council support the initiative.
Interested in helping? Please contact Rosie Sanderson on 07968 171676 or rosiesanderson19@gmail.com
The picture shows Settle plastic free group members Rosie Sanderson, Melanie Fryer and Barry White.
