#2023PlasticFree in action
Late last year the University announced that it has removed over one million pieces of single-use plastic after the first year of its pledge to go single-use plastic-free by 2023.
The first year has demonstrated both inspirational determination as well as revealing some of the challenges that lie ahead in the journey to becoming a single-use plastic-free University.
Those leading the way in driving these innovative changes include staff and students from all areas of the University who are encouraging sustainable innovation, providing operational solutions and challenging the disposable culture. We caught up with some of those on the frontline of driving change, demonstrating the power of both individual and collective action.
Stage@Leeds
Stage@leeds is a public contemporary performance space in the heart of the University, dedicated to artist development and supporting new work. Stage@Leeds employees have been leading the way in sustainability in the arts, including the development of circular resourcing of costumes and set, whilst reducing waste in future shows.
The theatre’s commitment to the plastic pledge can be seen through their removal of single-use plastics from their catering outlet. Theatre director, Steve Ansell, has been leading the way in the transition towards a single-use plastic-free bar within the performance space, opting for glass or canned drinks, and bioplastic or paper alternatives.
The transition required engaging with their suppliers to source food and drink products not in single-use plastic; cans and glass bottles are therefore available for drinks but Steve took the brave decision to discontinue items that could not provide an alternative.
‘ No supplier could provide us with a snack that came in recyclable packaging. The decision was made to simply stop selling snacks until a suitable product was available.’ — Steve Ansell
The transition away from single-use plastics at the theatre is part of Steve’s broader ambition to become a truly sustainable arts space, showcasing how sustainability can be embedded into all areas of the performance industry.
‘Our students have reacted overwhelmingly positively. We now have a sustainability policy based around the simple reduce, reuse, recycle concept which is only possible with student support. Sustainability is now a foundation of what we do.’ — Steve Ansell
Cohen Geochemistry Laboratory
The Cohen laboratory is a multi-use geochemical research laboratory based in the School of Earth and Environment, belonging to one of the most challenging areas of the #2023PlasticFree campaign: laboratories.
Often heavily dependent on single-use plastics for both safety and hygiene, the transition to single-use plastic-free laboratories is bold and ambitious.
The Cohen Geochemistry Laboratory have been assessing their working practices, enabling them to identify areas of avoidable single-use plastic. One such area was the thousands of centrifuge tubes used annually, which come in pre-loaded polystyrene racks to stand the tubes upright when in use.
The large quantity of polystyrene waste was a cause of concern, particularly given it could not be recycled after its single use. Driven by former laboratory manager Andrew Connelly, and now supported and managed by technical support officer Andrew Hobson, the Cohen Laboratory moved away from these racks entirely. They negotiated with their suppliers to order loose centrifuge tubes and standing reusable racks. This incurred an initial cost, but has resulted in financial savings over time.
‘We have had a few grumbles from the lab users about having to rack their own tubes, but the vast majority of users have been enthusiastic and engaged in the process. It has been a very worthwhile project.’ — Andrew Hobson
Laboratories are one of the key challenge areas for the #2023PlasticFree pledge as there is much work to be done. The Cohen Geochemistry Laboratory’s precedent demonstrates how seemingly small but impactful changes have the capacity to make a huge difference in pioneering change within labs.
Communications Office, Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
Commitment to the #2023PlasticFree pledge has also gathered momentum behind office doors.
Originally implemented by Digital Communications Manager Daniel Preston, the communications office have taken bold steps to challenge disposable culture in the office workplace.
Initial changes were addressed with the help of the University Sustainability Service’s office funding project, which ran in spring 2019, and offered financial support to offices eager to make the transition to be single-use plastic-free. The Communications Office used the funding to replace single-use plastic from their kitchen facilities by purchasing reusable and wooden utensils, and buying refillable washing up liquid and hand soap.
‘The funding has helped us in many different ways, from providing water bottles and keep cups to the whole team, improving our kitchen and hosting facilities. Wooden utensils being available to use has also resulted in several members of the team implementing these in their own kitchens at home.’ — Daniel Preston
Reflections on the year
The bold action demonstrated by individuals, schools, and offices— collectively making up the University body — has been instrumental in the progress achieved so far, and will be essential for us to meet the target of #2023PlasticFree. Whether student or staff, academic or operational, there is more to be done.
If there is anything to take away from the first year of the pledge, it is that we are all part of it.
If you would like to learn more about the #2023PlasticFree pledge, visit the webpage here, or contact plasticfree@leeds.ac.uk.
