Residents of Mid Devon are being called to join forces with the Uffculme Green Team for a significant national recycling initiative. The Big Plastic Count, organized by Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, is set to unite communities in a collective effort to tackle the issue of plastic waste. This year, local community groups, including schools and households across Mid Devon, are encouraged to participate in what has become the largest investigation into UK household plastic waste.

In its previous run in 2022, The Big Plastic Count saw an impressive turnout with nearly 250,000 participants across the country. The findings were eye-opening, revealing that the UK disposes of almost 100 billion pieces of plastic annually, a staggering figure with a minuscule percentage being recycled. "With your help, we’ll gather more, game-changing evidence that will push the government to take bold action on plastic," stated a spokesperson for the event, highlighting the critical impact of public participation.

The initiative traces its roots back to 2017 when Everyday Plastic founder, Daniel Webb, embarked on a personal journey to collect every piece of his plastic waste for a year. Collaborating with a scientific researcher, Webb developed a unique methodology to calculate his personal plastic footprint. The Big Plastic Count now extends this opportunity to everyone, offering insights into the lifecycle of our plastic waste.

The Uffculme event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at Square Corner, starting from 10 a.m. It promises to be a day of education, engagement, and community spirit. "Share your plastic count, learn about recycling, make some junk art, join in the litter pick, or simply enjoy a relaxing cup of tea and homemade cake," invites a spokesperson from the Uffculme Green Team. Attendees can also look forward to a soup and roll, with donations welcomed to support the Green Team's community activities.

This event is not only a chance to contribute to a crucial environmental cause but also an opportunity to discuss and address litter and waste issues within the community. The Uffculme Green Team eagerly awaits the participation of local residents, hoping to make a significant impact through collective action.

For more information on how to get involved with The Big Plastic Count, visit thebigplasticcount.com. This is your chance to be part of a nationwide movement towards a more sustainable future, starting with our own community in Mid Devon.