The Plastic Free Awards celebrate the inspiring work being done by individuals, communities and initiatives across the UK to help reduce plastic pollution. Here’s what happened on the night.
On 21st November 2019, activists and entrepreneurs alike came together for the inaugural edition of the Plastic Free Awards, hosted by marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage and the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation. The Bristol Museum set the scene for a night celebrating the environmental heroes that have been working to reduce plastic consumption on a local, national or global scale, from the beach front to the front benches of Parliament.
“We have so many different types of activists here,” said writer, broadcaster and Plastic Free Awards judge and host Lucy Siegle. “Some are from wildlife, nature preservation, some are kids from schools, some are scientists working on polymer science.” Meanwhile, the judging panel included famous names from television presenter Gillian Burke to the multi-gold medal-winning Olympian Helen Glover.
In an evening of celebration and mutual admiration, action on plastic pollution was prized through 12 individual awards. The winners were a true representation of the intergenerational movement, ranging all the way from overall winner 93-year old Sir David Attenborough to Ella and Caitlin McEwan, aged 10 and 8, who were awarded the ‘Youth Plastic Pioneer’ award for their petition to stop Burger King and McDonald’s giving out plastic toys with kids meals. “Our tip for going plastic free is to believe in what you think is right,’ explained Ella, on receiving the award. “Don’t listen to what anyone else thinks you should do. Just do you.”