Beyond Plastic names 21 new corporate champions

An environmental campaign group has named 21 companies as “champions” in the campaign to remove single-use plastics from their operations.

Beyond Plastic Bermuda has launched the programme to encourage businesses in every industry on the island to reduce their employment of single-use plastic.

In support of the Government’s impending single-use plastic legislation, Beyond Plastic is encouraging businesses to take the first steps and pledge to remove single-use plastics from their operations.

It said the Government intended to ban 12 categories of items.

Beyond Plastic acknowledged it was not an easy change but said that it was a vital one for the community.

It added that Bermuda had the opportunity to demonstrate how a community can live plastic free, which will not only clean up the environment and improve health but also be attractive to travellers who seek out healthy and sustainable destinations.

Katie Berry, of Beyond Plastic, said: “We are keen to assist businesses to try to move beyond plastic by saying no to single-use plastic. Our lives depend upon getting rid of single-use plastics.

“It’s bad for the environment, terrible for our health and a legacy we do not want to leave to our children, grandchildren and future generations to solve.

“So far the response by the business community to this campaign has been phenomenal. We are working with over 50 companies to achieve champion status.”

She added: “We are thankful to these companies for leading the way and being Beyond Plastic Champions. Their participation helps build a wave of change that is needed to encourage people to give up the convenience of single-use plastics in favour of better choices for our environment, our health and our island.”

Beyond Plastic’s principal sponsor, Bacardi, was the first business to meet champion status.

Douglas Mello, managing director of Bacardi’s Bermuda office, said: “At Bacardi, we are committed to leading positive change, both within our business and within our communities.

“Doing the right thing for the long-term and looking for sustainable alternatives to plastic will lead to positive environmental changes that create a healthier future for our community.

“As a Beyond Plastic Champion for Change, we hope to inspire local businesses to join this impactful environmental campaign and help put an end to plastic pollution.”