Outlets in Ruddington are being encouraged to join a new scheme enabling the public to refill their reusable water bottles here free of charge – and so reduce single-use plastics.
Rushcliffe Borough Council says it’s looking for environmentally minded groups or individuals to join “Refill Rushcliffe” – for the benefit of both village residents and the many visitors who flock to Ruddington. The authority is exploring the award winning ‘City to Sea’ scheme – where businesses and community venues can act as a filling up point for thirsty passers-by signposted by stickers in participating outlets’ windows and via the scheme’s Refill app.
Volunteer co-ordinators are now being sought to help engage local communities with the scheme and register venues and businesses who wish to support the initiative.
The Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, Cllr Simon Robinson (pictured left), said: “We hope local outlets will embrace this scheme to join us in our drive to reduce the volume of single use plastic water bottles, as residents and visitors to the Borough alike choose to use a reusable cup. As a Council we recently gave all councillors the option to use multi-use cups at our sites for meetings and would like to see as many people as possible refill their reusable water bottles at outlets that sign up, rather than purchase a one use water bottle. If you’re a business owner, signing up will reduce single use plastics in your part of Rushcliffe and help do your bit for the environment.”
Already two Ruddington businesses have pledged to sign up. Andy Heath from The Frame Breakers Pub told us: “As a business that provides free drinking water to our customers and dogs as well as walkers currently topping up their water bottles we would be more than happy to join the scheme.”
Julie Smith from The Black Cat Café adds: “Like The Frame Breakers, we offer free water. I suppose people don’t realise they can ask. So promotion from the Council is good news.”
But Andy warns: “I do however feel strongly that Rushcliffe and all councils should work harder to reduce other long standing forms of single use plastics that aren’t actually recyclable, rather than just targeting those that are as it has become fashionable. Also to educate more, especially where products we believe are recyclable – and are in the main being recycled – are eventually ending up in landfill and not actually being recycled etc.”
To express your interest in the scheme, or if you wish to sign up, you’re asked to email email media@rushcliffe.gov.uk or ‘phone the council on 0115 914 8555.
UPDATE 26th September 2019:
Ruddington Fish Bar, Grange Bakery, Jasper’s Café and Philo’s Deli have also now joined the “Refill Rushcliffe” scheme.
