Meet our partners leading the transition from single-use to reuse
The problem with plastic
More single-use plastic waste is being produced than can ever be recycled, making plastic pollution one of the biggest environmental crises that we face. Of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated globally so far, less than 10 per cent has been recycled. Single-use plastic packaging is STILL the largest culprit for plastic pollution in the UK, with homes throwing away almost TWO BILLION pieces of plastic packaging each week ‘
We urgently need to shift away from our single-use, throwaway culture - where items like plastic food wrapping and drink bottles - designed to last a lifetime - are used for just a few minutes or even seconds and discarded – and towards a more circular future, one with refill and reuse at its centre.
Making reuse second nature
Here at City to Sea, our vision is a world where reuse is second nature and plastic pollution is a thing of the past. We campaign to raise awareness and solve plastic-related issues, and help organisations design lasting initiatives to stop plastic pollution at the source. We know that people want fewer single-use plastics and more reuse options. That’s why we're working with policy makers, industry, and NGOs to make reuse more accessible for everyone.
Powering the Refill Revolution
Our campaigns are designed to tackle the most polluting single-use items with upstream solutions, reducing the harmful impact of plastic production on people and planet. Like Refill, our award-winning behaviour-change campaign to help people live with less waste. By providing a framework and platform for communities, businesses and consumers to take action, we’re supporting the transition away from single-use towards reuse systems and tackling the global issue of plastic pollution by reducing waste.
Refill began back in 2015, with one reusable bottle, one refill at a time, and has since evolved into a global movement that has saved over 60 million single-use plastic water bottles from entering our waste stream. Download the free Refill app to find places to refill your water bottle, coffee cup, lunch box or do packaging-free shopping near you.
Our Reuse Manifesto
At City to Sea, we raise awareness of the problems with single-use, collaborating with businesses and NGOs to bring about system change and deliver practical solutions to make refill and reuse more accessible. Our research shows that people want to reduce single-use packaging, but they can’t find reusable alternatives where they shop. But for businesses to effectively navigate this transition, a level playing field facilitated by government intervention is crucial. That’s why this year, we launched our Reuse Manifesto outlining six core commitments that need to be made to accelerate the transition from single-use to reuse. Read our Reuse Manifesto here.
Get ready for Green Friday
We love that Georganics chooses not to participate in a traditional Black Friday to avoid promoting overconsumption. Instead, they host 'Green Friday' on the same date, each year supporting a local non-profit organisation working to save plastic and to preserve the ocean. And this year, we’re delighted they’ve chosen to support City to Sea!
For one week only (25th Nov – 1st Dec), you can enjoy 15% off Georganics’ eco friendly oral products AND 15% of the profits will go to City to Sea to support our campaigning work to stop plastic pollution at source. Head over to Georganics and use the code GREENFRIDAY2024
How you can get involved
Shop your fave Georganics products with 15% off using the code GREENFRIDAY2024
Sign our petition to tell the government to ban single-use packaging in cafes, restaurants
Sign up for Plastic-Free Journal, your monthly update from City to Sea full of news, campaign updates and tips for living with less plastic