Running a cafe on the edge of the sea can come with its own set of challenges – especially when it comes to managing single-use plastic. With the ocean on its (quite literal) doorstep, the folks at the iconic Jubilee Pool in Penzance are working hard to ensure they’re part of the solution to ocean pollution, and not the problem.
The pool, which was one of the town’s first Plastic Free Champions, has recently re-committed to taking more action on plastic pollution, and has just been awarded a Silver Plastic Free Champion. Proving that there are always opportunities to reduce single-use plastic in new ways.
So, how did they do it?
The pool already had ditched single use plastic items like drinks bottles, plastic bags and food containers and was also part of Refill PZ. Now it is moving away from compostable single use takeaway containers, in this case Vegware. This alternative is often marketed as a ‘sustainable’ alternative for take-away food, but it is total greenwash and is less environmentally-friendly than many of us realise).
They’re also now serving all outside food and drink in enamel or crockery, and use cardboard boxes for poolside takeaways.
The team already accept refill cups, but are looking at bringing in returnable cups for coffee and also borrows our stock of returnable festival cups, so as not to use single use plastic cups at events.
Elsewhere, you’ll find plenty of wooden, recycled and cork products and gifts in the on-site shop. The team are also now putting pressure on suppliers, to ensure stock doesn’t arrive in single-use plastic or unnecessary packaging, either (for example, all cakes delivered to site now come in cardboard boxes).
To secure Silver a business also needs to show how it supports our local Plastic Free PZ campaign, and the Jubilee Pool over the years has been a huge ally. From being the site of our iconic Swimming in Plastic event, to this year offering us a residency to raise awareness which culminated in the Being Plastic projection.
The team is also working with Sustainable PZ on wider moves to lower impact an create new ways of doing business through the Sustainable PZ Business Hub.
While there are still some areas of improvement (which will level them up to gold!), we’re thrilled to see how much the crew are working to make a real difference.
Why does it matter?
For the team at Jubilee Pool, it’s about reducing impact at source. That way, pollution (plastic in this case) doesn’t end up where it’s not supposed to be; in the ocean that is essential to the local eco-system and brings so many visitors to their door.
Team member Kerry says: “I mean, it’s everything, isn’t it? We’re not around forever, but plastic seems to be. So, I think it’s really important that we reduce that in the environment, and especially here.
“Not that I’m saying it’s more important than anywhere else, but whatever we use on site, if it blows away or somebody drops it when they leave site… it’s going to get blown straight into the ocean.
“For us, it’s really key.”
A huge congratulations to the team for hitting this epic milestone, and we’re looking forward to working with you on what comes next.
Want to find out more about how your business can become a Plastic Free Champion and join our Plastic Free Business Directory? Find out everything you need to know by getting in touch with our team.
