Engaging your Local Council
Your local council makes a resolution supporting the journey to Plastic Free Community status
Requirements to achieve this objective
- Council must lead by example to remove single-use plastic items from their premises.
- Council to encourage plastic-free initiatives, promoting the campaign and supporting events.
- A representative of the council must be named on the Plastic Free Community steering group.
Local councils are in a unique position to lead change on single-use plastics
How?
A local councillor proposes a motion to support Plastic Free Communities in your area. Once this motion is voted on and approved by your local council this objective is complete. Demonstrating local public support for Plastic Free Communities will encourage council members to take action. You can do this in a number of ways. Check out our tips and Plastic Free Communities Podcast on this objective below:
- Invite local councillors to a beach clean or community clean-up. Show the issue of plastic pollution first hand.
- Write a letter to the council, asking them to support Plastic Free Communities.
- Gain and show support from local groups, businesses and the general public. This can be done via a joint letter or even a petition.
- Attend council meetings and get Plastic Free Communities on the agenda.
- Involve the local press to raise awareness in the community
- Listen to our Plastic Free Communities Podcast on this objective here
Why?
Local councils act as consumers, using single-use plastics in canteens, meetings, and during daily business. They are influencers, having direct access to the running of local schools, businesses and community organisations. And finally they work as a political body, often with cross-party members; showing unity on an action can install confidence and determination to succeed.
Tips for engaging your local authority
- Gain broad support from your local authority for all plastic free initiatives in your area.
- Get a local councillor on board and ask them to introduce the motion and garner support
- Lobby other local councillors or ask to do a presentation at the decision meeting to give it the best chance of being passed.