Celebrate our Queen but keep it Green

On 6th February, this year Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Like elsewhere in the country communities across northern Devon have been busy organising events to celebrate this amazing anniversary, which peaks in a four day UK bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June.

Recognising the Queen's and the Royal Family's support for the environment and green causes, North Devon and Torridge Councils have teamed up with local charity Plastic Free North Devon to produce some 'top tips' to help event organisers ensure a celebration that doesn't damage the earth. Suitable for any size of gathering, from afternoon tea with the neighbours to a party for the whole community, the tips offer a handy guide to reducing and eliminating single-use plastic, preventing litter, increasing recycling and supporting local shops.

The tips are aimed at jogging people's memory into thinking about such things as how they might collect any food waste or providing recycle collection points at an event and how the disposal of any materials collected might be handled. Purchasing drinks in cans as opposed to plastic, or getting people to bring their own cups, and using alternatives to plastic straws are further examples of easy ways to help the environment without affecting people's fun and enjoyment.

Claire Moodie, CEO of Plastic Free North Devon said:

"We know that people in North Devon are concerned about their local environment, and keen to take action to protect it and the planet. These top tips offer a simple way to host a celebration for the Queen and keep it green with just a little preparation and planning. We're delighted to be working again with North Devon and Torridge Councils to help residents and businesses be more sustainable."

Donna Sibley - Sustainability and Climate Officer at North Devon and Torridge Councils said:

"Both North Devon and Torridge Councils are justifiably proud of our recycling rates through our kerbside collection schemes, and work with residents to keep black bin waste as low as possible. We're hoping our communities will rise to the challenge of making different choices and showing the rest of the country what a green Queen's Jubilee looks like. The tips will help people with ideas on how they can cut the amount of plastic and general waste that might otherwise be generated and suggest ways of managing and promoting recycling."

The tips to help you reduce plastic waste at your event along with a list of organised events can be found at www.torridge.gov.uk/platinumjubilee2022 and northdevon.gov.uk/platinum-jubilee-events-calendar or by clicking here Go Green for the Queen - Top Tips Guide (PDF, 124 KB)

16 May 2022