Plastic Free and community action with Greg Hewitt

Greg Hewitt is the Community Lead for Plastic Free Chesterfield, part of a community network aiming to reduce single-use plastics.

In this episode, Greg covers:

• How his studies of environmental science and IT were ideal credentials for joining Winchester Action on Climate Change. [Starts at 1:55]
• His introduction to the Transition Network, a movement of communities committed to reimagining and rebuilding our world. [Starts at 3:27]
• Getting involved with the local Friends of the Earth group and bee activities. [Starts at 5:20]
• The need for lobbying and campaigning against fracking. [Starts at 7:16]
• Leadership, working in a team, networking and setting up a social eating café. [Starts at 8:43]
• Enthusiasm and when it’s not always well-received. [Starts at 13:36]
• His interest in tackling waste, starting a repair café and setting up the annual Remarkable Recycling Gala event. [Starts at 15:49]
• New challenges with getting Plastic Free Chesterfield up and running. [Starts at 18:55]
• Recruiting volunteers and getting local businesses on board. [Starts at 22:00]
• Growth despite a pandemic and local businesses achieving the Plastic Free Champion Award. [Starts at 26:50]
• Public perception, membership and webinars. [Starts at 30:20]
• The challenges of gaining engagement with social media. [Starts at 36:08]
• Recommendations for plastic change – choose one room in your house to start with, such as your bathroom, and make one swap at a time. Buy a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. [Starts at 39:55]
• What the world looks like in 2050 – people connecting more and sharing items; greater walking and cycling; no single-use plastics as refills become the norm. [Starts at 41:33]

Useful links

Plastic Free Chesterfield

Surfers Against Sewage

Winchester Action on Climate Change

Transition Towns

Friends of the Earth

Hackspace Foundation

Remarkable Recycling Gala Nottingham

Sarah Turner – Eco Art & Design

PebbleMag – Online Sustainable Lifestyle Magazine

How to connect

info@plasticfreechesterfield@org.uk

Facebook: @PlasticFreeChesterfield

Twitter: @plasticfreechez

Instagram: @plasticfreechesterfielduk

Youtube

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