Energy chief leads charge to cut plastic use across the borough
Cllr Jon Burke, cabinet member for energy. Photograph: Hackney Citizen
Hackney’s energy chief has emphasised the council’s commitment to reducing plastic use across the borough.
Cllr Jon Burke, cabinet member for energy, sustainability and community services, made the announcement ahead of the kick-off of the council’s #ZeroWasteHackney challenge this week.
The campaign encourages residents across the borough to try to make as close to no waste as possible by recycling more and using single-use plastic less.
The council announced at the end of last week that they would be leading by example by aiming to end the use of non-recyclable plastic across premises where council employees are based by the end of September.
Cllr Burke said: “We are absolutely committed to significantly reducing single-use plastic wherever possible, and are in the process of reducing plastic usage across council sites to lower our impact on the environment.
“We will also work to change the way the council consumes goods and services to reduce our plastic footprint further.
“The world is changing at a rapid rate and urgent action is required to meet the multiple, immediate environmental challenges we are facing. The council is showing important leadership in the area of waste and recycling.
“We are encouraging residents to do the same by taking part in the zero waste week challenge and through the promotion of the many ways in which people can avoid and reduce plastic waste.
“Over the next four years, we will also roll out new water fountains across the borough, so residents can cut out single use drinks bottles and save money while doing so.”