Plastic Free Peckham is a community group planning to work with local residents and small business owners to reduce the plastic pollution in our local area, informing and empowering the local community to make more sustainable choices. We propose to educate local business owners about the impact of plastic pollution on local spaces and more globally, and help them to make more informed choices. We also plan to deliver assemblies in schools to raise awareness of these issues and drive behaviour change in young people, and propose to organise monthly community clean up events in the local area as a way of engaging people in this issue and affecting a real change in our local environment. This will create civic pride and boost behaviour change in local communities. We will also lobby the local council whenever possible to encourage more sustainable choices across Southwark.

What we'll deliver:

• Reduction in plastic used by local business
• Community events that drive awareness and behaviour change and promote community cohesion
• Raised awareness in young people about the importance of clean oceans

Why it's a great idea:

Plastics have been found in their air that we breath, the food that we eat and the water we drink. Approximately 80% of ocean litter is plastic, and it is thought to be in the stomachs of 1 in 4 fish. Although it is an amazing material in some ways and useful in certain contexts, we need to rethink how we use plastic, how long for, and what happens to it when it's thrown away. This can be achieved through education and increased plastic free choices for consumers. Our project will both educate people through events and schools, but will also provide increased plastic free options for local people through local business. We'll also have an impact on making local spaces cleaner, and providing events for community members to engage and unify on this issue. Our community clean up events, with opportunities for local volunteers, in local green spaces and urban areas will encourage people to spend time outside and increase their sense of civic duty and community spirit.

Steps to get it done:

• Monthly community clean ups x 6
• School assemblies x 10
• Local businesses engaged x 10

We will also make five volunteering positions available to members of the local community to work with us on school sessions or approaches to local businesses.