Community goes plastic straw free

RHIWBINA has become the first community in Cardiff to stop providing plastic straws in its pubs, cafes shops and restaurants.

It followed a successful campaign, called Rhiwbina Against Plastic, which was launched by Anna McMorrin MP and resident Naomi England last month.

Parson’s Bakery and the Olive Branch cafe said they will fulfil their commitment to stop ordering plastic straws, and the Deri Inn pub in Rhiwbina will implement Mitchells & Butler’s policy to no longer provide singleuse plastic straws in its pubs.

The announcement was made by Cardiff University’s The No Straw Stand which has worked closely with the Cardiff North MP and Naomi to make Rhiwbina the first single-use plastic free community in Cardiff.

As well as becoming plastic straw free, other businesses in the community are also on board, with Nest gift shop using paper bags, Flower Lodge Florist planning to switch from cellophane to wax paper where possible, and Snails Deli offering a free coffee when you purchase a reusable bamboo cup.

Ms McMorrin said: “I am pleased and proud of the work that Naomi and all the businesses have done to make Rhiwbina village plastic straw free.

“Over 500 straws a week will no longer be polluting our oceans, which is an incredible achievement by the community – and in such a short amount of time.

“I would also like to thank The No Straw Stand campaigners led by Cardiff University geography students, who have been incredibly supportive since the beginning, on hand to suggest alternatives with their positive message and attitude.

“As a member of the Environmental Audit Committee in Westminster, I’m working hard with my colleagues to put pressure on the government to introduce legislation that will reduce the amount of plastic we produce in the UK.

“But in the meantime, Rhiwbina village is an inspiring example of how a community campaign can make an immediate difference through a combination of positive changes by local businesses, and community support when taking advantage of offers and playing their part by reusing bags and bringing reusable coffee cups when they’re out and about.

“Julie Morgan AM and I are now planning to take the single-use plastic free campaign to other parts of Cardiff North, and then hopefully it will spread to other parts of Cardiff and Wales.”