North Devon celebrates BinForGreenSeas award with ceremony

On Tuesday, July 5, Ilfracombe took steps towards a greener future, thanks to an award given by the GreenSeas Trust to North Devon Council.

After a grand unveiling of the 'BinForGreenSeas', Ilfracombe has become the first location in the southwest to receive one of the GreenSeas Trust eye-catching bins.

The trust was established in 2003 and their works aims to educate, promote and implement environmental programmes to eliminate plastics entering the seas and to ensure marine life and fish stocks are sustainable for future generations.

The GreenSeas bin ceremony, attended by members of the Ilfracombe community, included the Mayor of Ilfracombe, the Chair of North Devon Council, Ilfracombe's Harbour Master, North Devon Council members and officers, as well as children from Ilfracombe Church of England Junior School. Amidst a backdrop of enthusiasm towards preserving the town's coastline, participants gathered to discuss the importance of recycling plastic and delivered inspiring speeches that emphasised the urgent need for action.

Lead member for Waste and Recycling at North Devon Council, councillor David Knight, said: “I am really pleased that we were chosen as the pioneering location for the GreenSeas initiative. Tuesday was an important milestone in the battle against plastic pollution. Plastic recycling holds a crucial place in our journey towards a sustainable future.

"We should all be mindful to understand the harmful impact that plastic waste has on our oceans and marine life. It is estimated that approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans every year, wreaking havoc on delicate ecosystems. By providing a dedicated recycling bin specifically designed to tackle this problem, we are taking a giant leap forward in our fight against plastic pollution.

"It’s also important to remember that it is not just about the bin itself; it is about the ripple effect of our actions. By placing this bin in our community, we are encouraging and empowering each individual to make a difference. Recycling might seem like a small act, but collectively we can all create a big wave of change capable of transforming the world around us.

"As individuals we have a choice, I hope more of us will invest some time to make a conscious effort to use less plastic in our daily lives."

Founder trustee of the GreenSeas Trust, Fazilette Khan, said: "GreenSeas Trust is pleased to provide a free BinForGreenSeas to Illfracombe, sited next to Damien Hirst's Verity statue. We would like to thank the Garfield Weston Foundation for giving us the grant to enable us to amplify the message of protecting our oceans here in the Southwest. The BinForGreenSeas will acts as a beacon to help stop people littering."

The BinForGreenSeas, a visually striking addition to the town's waste management infrastructure, is set to captivate and engage locals and visitors alike. Designed with attention to detail, its vibrant colours and thought-provoking imagery seek to create awareness about the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans. By placing this bin on the harbour front, the partnership aims to revolutionise the way people think about waste disposal and inspire them to make responsible choices.

The bin will serve as a constant reminder that small actions can have a significant impact. Ilfracombe residents and visitors are encouraged to make use of the eye-catching bin and participate in the ongoing effort to safeguard our oceans.