Free refill scheme along Wales coast path to fight plastic pollution
Wales hopes introducing more refill points along its 870-mile coast path will reduce the plastic bottles ending up in the sea.
Tuesday 5 June 2018 10:15, UK
Walkers will soon be able to access free drinking water along the Wales coast path as the country steps up efforts to tackle plastic pollution.
In an attempt to reduce the use of single-use plastics, the 870-mile route has been unveiled as the first location for the national refill scheme.
Walkers taking in the sights along the rugged Welsh coastline will be able to refill their water bottles at stores, cafes and pubs in villages and towns that have signed up to the scheme.
Businesses which have signed up to the scheme will display stickers in their windows, and they will also be listed in a bilingual refill app.
:: Whale death prompts calls for Thai government to act
Environment minister Hannah Blythyn said: “I’m delighted to announce today that the Wales coast path will be the first location in our drive to make Wales the world’s first refill nation."
She added: "We as a government are very much looking forward to working with the communities along these 870 glorious miles to curb the use of single-use plastic.
"This is just the first step in our ambition to become the world's first 'refill nation'.
"More refill points along our coast will help reduce the number of plastic bottles ending up in the sea, which can have a devastating effect on our marine environment."
:: Team Sky backs Ocean Rescue with new kit
Additionally, a fund of £6.5m has been set aside to help local businesses which manufacture plastic products to increase the recycling-led content of their items.
Both initiatives will be announced at a major environmental summit being held in Cardiff.
The coastal city is one of the host cities on the Volvo Ocean Race circuit.
:: EU proposes bloc-wide ban on single-use plastics
This year, two of the boats taking part in the 45,000 nautical miles around the world race have been collecting water samples, which were analysed for microplastic content.
Anne-Cecile Turner, Volvo Ocean Race sustainability programme Leader, told Paste BN the findings of the analysis were "shocking".
:: Sky Ocean Rescue - How to get involved
She said: "We only found two plastic-free spots out of 53. That was in the deep Southern Ocean near Australia and south of Cape Town.
"Collectively, we have a unique opportunity to preserve our Blue Planet.
"The Ocean Summit plays a vital role in helping to solve this crisis and announcements - such as the Welsh government's - only help to amplify that message and the need for urgent action."
:: Sky's Ocean Rescue campaign encourages people to reduce their single-use plastics. You can find out more about the campaign and how to get involved at www.skyoceanrescue.com