Paper bee straws are creating a plastic-free buzz around Greater Manchester
Bee-themed paper straws have been launched at bars and restaurants across Greater Manchester as part of a step-change approach to eradicating single-use plastics across Greater Manchester.
Their arrival is part of a growing range of initiatives that all contribute towards the Mayor’s aim of a plastic-free Greater Manchester by 2020 and supporting the wider Green City Region portfolio led by Councillor Alex Ganotis.
The straws are made entirely from paper and are embossed with the now iconic Manchester bee design.
More than 130 businesses within the hospitality and catering industries have signed up to the Plastic Free Greater Manchester Pledge that aims to eradicate avoidable, single-use plastics within the sector. The straws are part of a much larger campaign supported by Corin Bell, Director of social enterprise Real Junk Food Manchester, who’s providing plastic and waste audits for businesses alongside the straws and point of sale information.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said: “This is just the first step towards meeting our ambitious target against single-use plastics and I urge all bars, restaurants, and hotels to get on board with the campaign. Your involvement will make a real difference to the fight against plastic pollution.
Eliminating the use of avoidable single-use plastics is no easy task and can only be achieved by working together and I commend those who’ve already joined us.
Thanks to Corin and Henry for their continued support. They’re great examples of business leaders championing change.”
Corin Bell, Director of Real Junk Food Manchester is supporting the campaign providing plastics and waste audits, supported by local sustainability organisations Manchester Friends of the Earth and SeaStraw.
She said: “The plastic and waste audits are a great way to support businesses making the right choices. There are a lot of so called ‘eco’ products on the market and we’re committed to providing clear and practical advice to food and drink businesses that sets them up to succeed in making sustainable choices.”
The straws have been produced by Stockport based catering equipment suppliers Stephensons.
Henry Stephenson, Managing Director of Stephensons, said: “The interest in the paper straws has been fantastic and shows how businesses of all shapes and sizes are ready to sign up and play their part in a plastic free Greater Manchester. The first batch will hit bars and restaurants this week and many more have made a commitment to take part.”
The problem with plastic straws
Interested in the PlasticFreeGM campaign, two University of Salford students, Holly McDowell and Kira Creek have collaborated on an animation to promote the problem of plastic straws to the people of Greater Manchester. Holly and Kira are both second year BA Hons animation students and created the animation as one of their modules.
Plastic Free GM
Greater Manchester has launched the first city-region wide plan to drive down avoidable single-use plastics!
PlasticFreeGM asks businesses, organisations and individuals to pledge to take action to reduce avoidable single use plastics across Greater Manchester. PlasticFreeGM works with campaigning partners to provide information and advice to guide more sustainable choices. A number of sector specific campaigns are taking off to offer relevant support and information on reducing single use plastics.
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