Campaigners are asking businesses, schools, households, and community groups to join their efforts to maintain Penarth's plastic-free status.

Plastic Free Penarth is keen to refresh its status and continue the work it started before the pandemic hit two years ago.

The group is now working towards a bigger vision by following simple steps and simple changes and is encouraging schools, businesses, households, and other groups to get involved.

Penarth is one of 800 Plastic Free Communities across the UK and was awarded the status in 2019 by an organisation called Surfers Against Sewage.

Dr Susannah McWilliam, 52, a member of the Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) group that oversees Plastic Free Penarth, told Penarth Nub News: "Part of GPG's mission is to support Penarth to be more sustainable and raise awareness of environmental issues.

"In 2018, we became aware of the Plastic Free Communities programme and, as a seaside town that is interested in becoming more sustainable, Penarth being a plastic-free community was a great fit for both GPG priorities and the town as a whole."

Awareness of single-use plastics is increasing. According to Surfers Against Sewage, plastic straws are one of the top ten items harming marine life and polluting the ocean.

In addition, 2.5 billion plastic cups are thrown away each year in the UK. "Of course, it's difficult to avoid using plastic in our lives," said Dr McWilliam. "But one of the key things we're doing is working with traders in the community to put measures in place and reduce the use of three single-use plastics."

Dr McWilliam continued: "We're looking to build our community allies at this time, too and we also work with the council [Penarth Town Council], which made a commitment to being plastic-free."

Penarth residents, business owners, community groups and schools are also encouraged to take part in national The Big Plastic Count, which takes place between May 16 – 22.

Participants will be asked to tally how much plastic packaging they throw away during the week and then submit results on The Big Plastic Count website.

Click here if you work at a Penarth school and would be interested to find out more about becoming plastic-free.

Learn how to become a 'Business Champion' and households can start their plastic-free journeys here.