Beating plastic pollution is a priority

Priority Freight, provider of emergency freight solutions, encouraged its employees to participate in World Environment Day 2018, on 5th June. This year's 'Beat Plastic Pollution' asked people to consider how much plastic they use and what changes can be made to reduce the burden of plastic pollution on the planet.

Worldwide, 13 million tonnes of plastic leaks into our oceans each year, killing huge numbers of sea creatures and animals as well as threatening the future of coral reefs.

Armed with equipment provided by Dover District Council, and the approval of the Port of Dover, members of Priority Freight's environmental management team and 'Green Champions' came together to complete a beach clean at Shakespeare Beach, Dover. The majority of rubbish collected was plastic bottles and caps, glass bottles and cans. A total of 13 black bags were filled, with eight bags alone full of plastic.

Among the volunteers, Sarah Brown-Oakes-O'Connor, leader of the environmental management team at Priority Freight, said: "We're proud to support World Environment Day and do our bit when it comes to saving the planet. It seemed like the whole country was speaking about that famous Blue Planet episode that shared the cold hard facts on plastic pollution in our oceans and hopefully this will lead to a sea of change!

"The beach clean has not only encouraged awareness of a growing global problem but it has also allowed us to help our local community. Green initiatives are something that all businesses, whatever the industry, should be looking to explore."

Throughout the day, at Priority Freight's head office, staff were involved in a sea-themed cake competition, fancy dress and a bottle toss recycling game, with donations going to the Marine Conservation Society.

Priority Freight's environmental committee has pledged to reduce the amount of single-use plastic used within the company. Starting by getting rid of all Tipp-Ex mice, removing individual water bottles and plastic cups and replacing them with glasses.

Priority Freight is proud to hold the ISO 14001 environmental accreditation and aims to deliver a net positive impact on the environment and continually develops initiatives to improve its environmental footprint, as outlined in the company's environmental policy.