Curry and Conversation workshops, held at The Optima Stadium in Weston-super-Mare, is a series of sessions looking at environmental issues and steps to make changes and is led by Naseem Talukdar AIH of Plastic Pollution Awareness & Actions Projects (PPAAP), which aims to end single-use plastic.
Naseem who is a member of the IoH and also the director for social responsibility and sustainability for UK Curry Connect (UKCC) campaign group, said: “We want to rally people around, from a range of fields to tackle this pressing problem and find a long-term solution to end single-use plastics.”
The free events, which include curry and refreshments, are hosted by the Chamber and open to all residents and businesses in North Somerset.
Debbie Apted, community lead for Cleaner Coastlines: Weston and North Somerset, plastic-free campaign, which was launched by the Chamber and Weston Mercury in October 2017, said: “We’ve been working hard to reduce single-use plastic within the community. It’s vital we raise awareness of climate change and the steps we can take to make a difference for future generations.”
Planet and marine life
The first meeting kicked off by looking at the damage plastic has on marine life and humans. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched the Clean Seas Campaign to turn the tide on plastic.
It reports at least 11 tonnes of plastic is dumped into our seas each year – which can lead to starvation or suffocation of sea life. In turn, humans may be at risk by eating such seafood.
Michelle Cassar, a founding member of City to Sea – set up to stop plastic pollution at source, supports people struggling with environmental anxiety. The surfer, author and photographer said: “Plastic pollution and climate change are intertwined and we need to act. Pressure needs to continue by individuals and grassroots organisations – only then will action from the top happen.”
Scientists are urging politicians to tackle climate change and the plastic waste crisis together as they are interlinked – leading to issues such as extreme weather and the spread of microplastics.
Research from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Bangor University found plastic pollution and climate change can exacerbate each other.
Michelle added: “Plastic not only affects marine life but likely harms human health as well – from ingesting microplastics to the release of toxic gases when it is burnt.”
Recycling – making money and reducing landfill
The group looked at how recycling can earn money from the use of the materials while cutting down on disposal costs and trips to landfills.
Landfills release greenhouse gases and rubbish can break down at a very slow rate, which remains a problem for future generations.
Weston Hospicecare gets over £1 million pound of its revenue from recycling – with people’s donated goods.
The charity has also introduced a scheme where people can recycle their ink cartridges and hundreds have already been dropped off.
Mark Flower, director of fundraising and communications, said: “Recycling brings in money for the charity and also helps to reduce waste which would otherwise go to landfill.”
Environmental societies
Carl Gibbon, who is studying biological sciences at the University Centre Weston, attended Curry and Conversation to get further insight into various environmental issues.
He said: “We’re looking at setting up an environmental society and it’s been helpful to get an insight into the issues we are facing and various options. It’s important to look at ways to reduce plastic and create a more sustainable way of living.”
Funding and future events
Weston Chamber received grant funding from the Quartet Community Foundation, Megawatt Community Energy Fund, which supports community action on reducing carbon in our atmosphere and making energy more affordable. Find out more.
The next Curry and Conversation event will take place on Monday, January 17, from 11 am until 2.30 pm. It will include free curry, provided by Chutneys, and refreshments and will discuss ‘food and the natural environment’, including rewilding and tree planting.
Future sessions will cover fast fashion and the circular economy, clean energy and green tech, as well as carbon footprint and transport.
There are 40 free spaces available at each workshop and booking is essential. For full details and how to register visit www.cleanercoastlines.org.uk/events or call Debbie on 07974 190660.
References:
UNEP – report on plastic pollution
Government report on landfill
Greenpeace report on plastic overseas
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