All sailing clubs (which have a clubhouse) in the Chichester Harbour Federation, along with Cobnor Activities Centre and the Christian Youth Enterprise Sailing Centre have achieved their bronze level accreditation. Dell Quay Sailing Club, Emsworth Sailing Club and Langstone Sailing Club have also obtained silver. Sue Nash, Environmental Lead for the Chichester Harbour Federation says “The Final Straw Single Use Free Plastic Accreditation enabled the sailing clubs and centres around Chichester Harbour to continue their efforts in becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Our aim is to support each other in becoming more sustainable and lessen our impact on our National Landscape environment by Respecting, Protecting and Enjoying Chichester Harbour. We look forward to continuing our journey with the Final Straw Foundation”. The Sailing Clubs have worked hard to tackle plastic removal at source, they have embedded the control of their environmental impacts into the work of all of their committees, and there is always more to do so collaboration continues as we seek solutions for their current challenges in their Clubhouse commercial kitchens, working with their suppliers as well.
James Ward, Managing Director at Marine Resources explains: “It’s been so great for the team here at Marine Resources to focus on what we could do as a business to reduce our plastic use. Everyone here cares a lot about the issue and most in the business enjoy getting out on the water when they can….To be able to do our bit to help clean up our playground was an important thing for us. It’s been not just educational but also a great project for all the team to get involved with together. We look forward to working towards our Silver accreditation and seeing other marine businesses getting involved.”
Val Wyatt Marine, Berkshire was the first Marina to receive accreditation after making significant changes to ensure that the environment is at the forefront of their operations. The extensive knowledge the marina has of customer care and service when buying, selling, or mooring boats is now extended to environmental issues affecting boaters. Lisa Anacora, Managing Director, Val Wyatt Marine, said: “We are proud to be awarded with the Bronze Single-Use Plastic Free Certification. Protecting, cleaning, and caring for our environment both locally and more broadly is at the heart of our operations. We recognise that there is still more that we can do, and we’re actively working on identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions for short to long team goals to not only eliminate single-use plastic entirely, but also to meet our net zero commitments. “We’re delighted that initiatives like The Green Blue and Final Straw Foundation exist to help support businesses and communities to look after our rivers, seas, and global ecosystems, as we know that it’s only through working together and at scale that real change will be made.” We couldn’t agree more.