BUDE-STRATTON Town Council is working with A Greener Bude to become more sustainable, and encourage others in the area to do so too.

Despite the snow, it was business as usual at the Parkhouse Centre on March 5 as town councillors took to the table.

One of the main topics of discussion was to consider three proposals from local environmental organisation, A Greener Bude, to reduce the council’s own consumption of single use plastics and encourage other businesses and organisations in Bude to follow their lead.

The council approved the proposals, which include reviewing the use of single use plastics in council buildings with a shared aim to phase out the use of unnecessary single use plastics within the council; supporting initiatives to help Bude’s businesses, organisations and residents’ transition from single use plastics to sustainable alternatives; and encouraging traders on council land to sell reusable containers and invite customers to bring their own.

Bude-Stratton Town Council’s heritage and culture committee also recently agreed to reduce single use plastics at events held on council land or by the council, at a meeting in February.

Deb, chair of A Greener Bude, who also dedicates a lot of her time to cleaning her local beach at Crooklets and started the nationwide ReFILL scheme in Bude, told the Post: “At the end of the day, Bude-Stratton Town Council are the decision makers for the town. It’s absolutely fantastic that they’ve got on board with A Greener Bude — Bude really is leading the way.”

She said that the council will be looking to implement sustainable reusable items instead of opting for single use products.

Deb also hopes the council will make the transition to using LED lighting, and make sustainable changes during castle events. It is hoped the council will, when hiring the castle grounds to organisations for events, encourage to come and be as sustainable as possible.

Among other projects in the pipeline, A Greener Bude is currently enhancing their community recycling scheme, waiting for stickers to promote it, and have got big plans for the Bude Baggers, who are part of the Morsbags initiative.

They have also delivered thousands of straws to the Final Straw charity.

Deb said: “We do need as many people as possible to stand up with this initiative. We want Bude to be plastic straw free, so if anyone would like to get involved, please do sign up via the Final Straw website — it’s really easy to register.

“It has been going really well for A Greener Bude, and we’re currently looking at funding for a future premises for A Greener Bude — we just need to get a grant approved. It will be at Crooklets, and will be manned by volunteers to give information and environmental education to visitors and local people.

“Lots has happened since our launch (In February). But we’re always looking for people to get on board. People can find out more by emailing [email protected] or message us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.”

Mayor, Peter Moores, said: “The council is mindful of the objectives of A Greener Bude and already has taken steps to reduce the use of single use plastics at Café Limelight situated at The Castle.

“The council will also be considering making changes to its ‘terms and conditions’ for the hire of council owned land/premises. This will be to reflect the will of local residents to achieve the goal of reducing the amount of single use plastics currently in use.”