Firefighters tackling plastics problem
REUSBALE CUPS AND CANNED WATER TO REDUCE WASTE
LEICESTERSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service is doing its bit for the environment by reducing plastic waste.
The service has introduced reusable cups, branded with its values – professional, positive and honest – as an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cups.
Made by Circular & Co from hardy, sustainable materials, they are designed to be returned and recycled every 10 years.
The service has also been working with Swithland Spring Water to provide canned water made from recyclable aluminium to crews and support staff.
“By working with companies locally – a total of six miles away, to be precise – we’re reducing our carbon footprint,” said a fire service spokesman.
With an increasing focus on caring for the environment amid widespread concern about the over-reliance on single use plastic, Swithland Spring Water began producing its spring water in 330ml aluminium cans, a material which has a more sustainable future than plastic.
The cans are filled on site in Swithland, thus keeping the carbon footprint as low as possible, and are boxed in plastic-free packaging from a Leicestershire box provider.
The cans are also lightweight and stack easily, reducing transportation costs and requiring less fuel.
Brian Beeby, managing director of Swithland Spring Water, said: “Over the past 18 months, we have been working closely with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
“We are delighted to be able to contribute towards their vision of eliminating single use plastic in the service.
“We are incredibly excited to be launching our new product alongside the fire and rescue service and would like to thank them for their continued support throughout.”
Mick Rogers, the fire service’s area manager, business support, said: “This is a huge step for us as a service and a major effort to eliminate our single use plastic and help protect the environment.
“We look forward to our continued partnerships with Circular & Co and Swithland Spring Water.”