Wave Leisure Trust Limited (Wave) has taken a big step in reducing plastic waste by launching its own reusable coffee cup. The not-for-profit Trust and Social Enterprise is aiming high and hopes to remove all takeaway cups from Café Wave by the end of 2018.
Wave runs eight leisure centres across East Sussex and Newhaven Fort. It has stopped stocking plastic straws and water cups at Café Wave and now only offers compostable paper plates and napkins, with an aim to become more environmentally friendly. Wave’s next step is reducing the number of takeaway coffee cups it uses.
Wave now has its own reusable takeaway cups available to purchase for £3.75. Customers can use one, or bring their own reusable cup, to receive a 30p discount on every hot drink.
Current levels of demand mean that Wave purchase 4000 takeaway cups per month. They hope this number will be significantly reduced by the introduction of the discount for reusable cups.
Wave will also be partnering with Plastic Free Seaford who will be recommending further changes to reduce the social enterprise’s plastic usage.
Duncan Kerr, CEO at Wave, said “By working with suppliers and Plastic Free Seaford, we hope to reduce our levels of plastic waste and to ultimately, entirely remove single-use plastic from our leisure centres. It’s a bold ambition but with everyone’s support, we can achieve it!”
Quote from Claire Sumners, Plastic Free Seaford: “I am thrilled to be working with Wave Leisure. It is vital we change. The majority of the plastic pollution our volunteers find on beaches are avoidable, single-use items such as takeaway coffee cups. When they are not disposed of correctly, they blow into waterways. Wave Leisure is leading by example in helping the community change how they view a once familiar takeaway item.”
For more information visit www.waveleisure.co.uk