Guernsey Water & Love Guernsey Support Refill Scheme

Love Guernsey and Guernsey Water have teamed up to support one of Plastic Free Guernsey's initiatives, rolling out a popular national environmental scheme, 'Refill' in Guernsey.

Already a success in the UK, 'Refill' aims to make refilling reusable bottles with water easy, convenient and free by introducing local businesses as 'refill stations', reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Refill UK said "It's really exciting that Refill is now becoming established on Guernsey. This is a wonderful opportunity for people to take action locally to tackle a global problem"

Earlier this year, local 11 year old Destiny Hollyer-Hill approached the States of Guernsey's Environment and Infrastructure Board expressing her passion for the scheme. As a result, Guernsey Water and Love Guernsey committed to support her vision and approached local organisation, Plastic Free Guernsey to form a partnership.

Guernsey Water Customer Services Manager, Chris Hall said "I was fortunate enough to attend the meeting at which Destiny made her appeal and I was humbled and very impressed. Guernsey Water is very pleased to support Destiny in her vision to reduce plastics and improving access to good quality drinking water".

Cafes, shops, restaurants and other businesses that sign up to 'Refill' will display a sticker in their window to indicate to the public, tourists and visitors that free water refills are available.   Businesses can also be tagged on the Refill App as a 'Refill Station'. So far, 28 establishments have signed up in Guernsey.

Plastic Free Guernsey Spokesperson, Laura Havard said 'As an island community, we need to work hard to stop the tide of single-use plastic pollution washing up and spoiling our beautiful beaches. The consequences impact on life for locals and the island as a tourist destination, meaning the benefits of this scheme will be widespread".

Waste Minimisation and Recycling Officer, Tina Norman-Ross agrees with measures to tackle unnecessary waste. She said "The Refill scheme supports Guernsey's Waste Strategy which puts waste prevention and reuse at the top of the waste hierarchy. Our focus is changing behaviour. All it takes is a few small changes, such as this to make a real difference.'

Local businesses wishing to join the scheme or who are already providing this service can contact Madeleine Norman at plasticfreegsy@gmail.com or via their Facebook page.

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