Ahead of the game when it comes to single-use plastics

A wellness centre in mid Devon will be unaffected by new laws coming in around plastics use - as it has been using only compostable products since opening.

From October 1 businesses will no longer be able to supply, sell or offer certain single-use plastic items in England. These include plates, bowls and trays, and polystyrene food and drink containers, although there are some exemptions such as use for a pre-filled ready meal. Single use plastic cutlery and balloon sticks are receiving an outright ban.

Aquarius Bar and Wishes at Kitlake Farm near Crediton have always utilised compostable disposables for outdoor events such as the annual WishFest festival, including straws, coffee cups and pint cups.

Co-owner Dominic Jones said: “For us it was always a no brainer. It’s really good news that the ban is coming into place, another step in the right direction to support the environment.

“Around half the plastic produced every year is single use and much of it ends up in landfill or the ocean. It can take up to 500 years for plastic to decompose and in the meantime it just breaks down into smaller pieces which is really harmful for wildlife in particular. So the problem really is long-term - and we all really need to do what we can.”

Marketing itself as a carbon neutral venue, Kitlake Farm has an environmentally friendly commitment that runs throughout the business. As well as avoiding the use of any plastics - not just single-use items - other initiatives include the installation of solar panels and signing up to a tree planting initiative via Ecologi. Locally sourced produce is used as much as possible to keep food miles low and support local producers. 

Dominic added: “We’ve also won lots of smaller battles along the way; all our cleaning and washing products are fully cruelty free, paper is responsibly sourced, we use eco kettles in our log cabins, and our super comfortable bedding is made from recycled plastic bottles.”

For more information on the new single-use plastics laws visit the government website here