Scheme aims to get rid of plastic bottles
ANEW environmental project to rid a town of plastic water bottles is about to create a splash.
Marple Refill Scheme launched on Saturday and, with more than 15 businesses already signed up, organisers say it is the first of its type in the north of England.
The idea is that shops taking part will sell steel refillable bottles and let people top them up for free from a tap, reducing the need to continually buy the plastic equivalent.
Chief organiser Chris Wallis, 69, says the scheme has ambitions to grow further and become the sort of success that will inspire other areas to follow suit.
He said: “To turn the whole of Britain non-plastic is a huge thing but Marple is a defined area, which makes it a do-able concept here. The tap water in Marple is so good it is like bottled water.
“The idea is if it can work here and make a small difference then other areas may do the same and it becomes a bigger difference.
“It makes sense for shops too as if people go in there and positively engage then they are more likely to buy something while they are there.”
Retailers taking part are given a blue and green sticker to let people know they can make a water stop there.
It also includes Marple Bridge and it is hoped the next step is to have public water fountains in the area. Once that has happened other issues such as plastic cups will be tackled.
An app is available for mobile phones that lets people know where their nearest ‘refill station’ is.
Chris, of Church Lane, Marple, put his idea out to Facebook to test the reaction and got 300 likes within 48 hours.
The scheme will take place with Bristol-based charity City to Sea, who have undertaken similar ventures in the south west of England.
Chris said: “David Attenborough’s Blue Planet has made us all aware of the growing crisis of plastic waste. Whilst recycling takes care of some of it, it would be much better not to use them in the first place.
“It is a beginning, our goal is to make Marple a sustainable town. There’s a lot of work to do getting business on board.
“For instance getting coffee shops to use disposable cups that are recyclable.
“We hope Marple can lead the way in making the change.”