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 a 21st ally joined us in January 2025.
We signed up our 20th ally in October 2024 and a 21st ally joined us in January 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 - Renewed in 2024
We needed to organise two Plastic Free events in a calendar year, which we originally did in 2020.
We needed to organise two Plastic Free events in a calendar year, which we originally did in 2020.
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 - 2024
 |
| 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 - 2024. We've formed our steering group, met twice in 2020, 2021, 2022, three times in 2023 and 2024 and once so far in 2025.