There are five key objectives that we need to meet to gain Plastic Free Community accreditation for Bookham:
- Demonstrate support from the local council
- Local businesses take action to reduce single-use plastic
- Involve local organisations and community groups
- Hold Plastic Free Events
- Form a steering group for the project
1. Local Council Involvement - Achieved!
We needed Mole Valley District Council to:
- Pass a resolution supporting our Plastic Free Community project
- Lead by example by taking action to reduce and ultimately remove single-use plastic items from their premises.
- Support the project by appointing a councillor to join the steering group
The measures that MVDC has taken means we have achieved this objective.
MVDC has declared a climate emergency; pledged to reduce the use of single use plastic; and passed the Climate Strategy in October 2020 which includes the support of local communities aiming for plastic-free status.
In June 2020 two councillors were officially appointed to join our steering group.
2. Local Business Involvement - Underway
We
need at least six local SME businesses to become Business Champions by removing at least three single-use plastic items or replacing them with sustainable alternatives.
Any measures already taken count towards these items. The business also needs to have a plan going forward to tackle any remaining items.
Two local businesses have been awarded a Bronze Business Champion award. The award is free to apply for.
If you run a local business and could help us achieve this objective, please read our For Businesses page or get in touch.
3. Involve Local Organisations and Groups - Achieved!
We
needed to get at least 20 "Community Allies" involved, with a mix of schools, public spaces, organisations, communications and groups. Each ally signed a pledge, committing to remove at least three single-use plastic items (if used) and publicly promote and support the project.
We signed up our 20th ally in October 2024 and our 22nd ally joined us in November 2025.
We signed up our 20th ally in October 2024 and our 22nd ally joined us in November 2025.
If you help run a local organisation or community group based in or that covers Bookham and would like to sign up, we'd love to hear from you.
4. Hold Plastic Free Community Events - Last renewed in 2024
We needed to organise two Plastic Free events in a calendar year, which we originally did in 2020. We'll need to repeat this in the year in which we qualify for the full award.
We needed to organise two Plastic Free events in a calendar year, which we originally did in 2020. We'll need to repeat this in the year in which we qualify for the full award.
We renewed this in 2024, setting up a stall in the High Street to promote the 2024 Big Plastic Count in March and holding a drop-in morning at the St Nicolas Pastoral Centre in May.
The Bookhams Residents' Association holds a monthly litter pick which helps clear plastic from our community - though this doesn't count towards our events. You can look after an individual road or area by becoming a Womble!
5. Form a Steering Group - Achieved for 2020 - 2025
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| A busy morning's litter picking |
- There must be a council representative
- The group must meet at least twice a year
- We must report progress to Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)
- The group collects evidence to apply for Plastic Free Community accreditation
SAS has approved this objective for 2020 - 2025. We've formed our steering group, met twice in 2020, 2021, 2022, and three times in 2023, 2024 and 2025.