About Us
Dawlish Against Plastic was formed in March 2018. Since then, our achievements have been:
Dawlish Town Council agreed unanimously to support Plastic Free Coastlines (since re-named Plastic Free Communities).
Organised monthly beach cleans in Dawlish.
Plastic Straws removed, or pledged to be removed, from over 40 local businesses.
Presentations to local schools and engagement with school 'eco groups'. Competition held to design a logo for Dawlish Against Plastic.
Facebook group, Dawlishagainstplastic, established with over 430 plus members.
Facebook Page Dawlish Against Plastic
Instagram account Dawlish Against Plastic
Promoting Devon Refill scheme and other ways of reducing single use plastic to local businesses.
Receiving Community Grant funding from Teignbridge Councillors for beach cleaning equipment, publicity and alternatives to plastic for display/sale to the public.
Participated in community events and ran fundraising events for Surfers Against Sewage.
We produced an audio-visual presentation of our progress so far.
Made contact with the Environment Agency’s newly formed ‘Plastics Team’ and helped organise an event to link up with other, similar, groups in Devon. Event held on 3rd Sept 2018.
Successfully applied to Keep Britain Tidy for 50 free stainless-steel drinks bottles for display/sale on our stalls.
Successfully applied for Plastic Free Community status for Dawlish from Surfers Against Sewage. Evidence included steps taken by local businesses to remove certain single-use plastic items from sale or use and our work in conjunction with other community groups.
Between April 2019 and March 2020, Dawlish Against Plastic has:
Undertaken 13 Beach cleans involving over 200 participants. Removed over 270kg of rubbish, including broken glass, sharps, rusty metal and a kitchen knife.
Also assisted 2 schools and a group from Exeter College with beach cleans.
Involved 2 university students who are using our beach cleans as part of their research.
Met with Sainsbury’s managers after their staff had voted to support us as part of their community involvement. Staff attended beach cleans and the local store collected money for us.
Enabled 2 more businesses to be recognised as Plastic Free Champions by Surfers Against Sewage, making the total 11. This is since gaining Plastic Free Community Status in Feb 2019.
Provided information to businesses about bioplastic ‘compostable’ products.
Manned a stall with easy swap ideas and plastic-free alternatives for sale, at 5 local events and 3 schools. Bought display boards to help promote our message.
Gratefully received a non-plastic banner, hand made by a member of Dawlish WI.
Worked with Dawlish Community College and Gatehouse school to create a train made from recycled materials.
Participated, with the train, in Dawlish Carnival and the Lantern Parades in Teignmouth and Dawlish.
Given presentations to other ‘Plastic-free’ groups in Teignbridge and the Dawlish Water Rotary Club.
Joined Community Action Groups (CAG) Devon.
Held a second fund raising event for Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)
Helped SAS develop their Phase 2 Plastic Free Community initiative by attendance at a weekend conference.
Written 6 articles for the Dawlish Gazette, developed our social media presence on Facebook and Instagram and published a website - https://www.dawlishagainstplastic.org.uk/
Produced a guide to environmentally ethical festivals in conjunction with Teignbridge District Council.
Inspired an art competition about the environment at Dawlish College, addressed the audience and awarded prizes at an arts evening.
Obtained signed copies of 3 environmentally themed books by Ellie Jackson for sale and promotion on our stall.
Contributed ideas both at meetings and through written submissions to Dawlish Town Council’s Climate Emergency Working Group.
Produced an action plan for our activities for the period April 2019 – Mar 2020.
Steering Group Members:
Vanessa Ryley (Chairman), Brenda Toye (Treasurer), Dave Hutton (Secretary), Martin Wrigley (Dawlish Town & Teignbridge Councillor), Lin Goodman-Bradbury (Dawlish Town Councillor), Sue Brader (Dawlish Transition), Vicky Bridle and Suzanne Jones.
Our Steering Group, March 2019, celebrating our 'Plastic Free Community' recognition from SAS . From Left to Right - Dave Hutton, Vanessa Ryley, Suzanne Jones, Liz Green, Cllr. Martin Wrigley, Teresa Golding, Vicky Bridle, Cllr. Lin Goodman-Bradbury.
Our current Steering Group members are: Vanessa Ryley (Chair), Brenda Toye (Treasurer), Cllr Martin Wrigley, Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Suzanne Jones, Vicky Bridle and Dave Hutton.
We welcome new members and if you would like to join us, please get in touch.