2026 Feedback

An inspiring time at The Plastic Free Gathering at the Watershed in Bristol. 

The event opened with an engaging presentation from Jen Gale, who shared some powerful facts and statistics about where we are as a nation with plastic pollution, along with practical actions we can all take to make a difference. I was delighted to take part in a panel discussion on "Empowering Change for a Plastic Free Future" alongside Peter Hoyle and Ellie Jackson. It was a fantastic opportunity to share experiences and explore how we can inspire and support more people, schools and communities to take action on plastic pollution. It was encouraging to hear about the many brilliant initiatives happening across the UK to engage schools and communities in tackling plastic pollution. From Ellie’s creative books, that I've used myself, which help children understand how marine animals are affected by plastic pollution and how positive action can create change, to Peter’s inspiring work with Plastic Free Exmoor. One example was supporting children to take what they have learned through the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Schools programme out into their communities, including replacing plastic tree guards with more sustainable alternatives. 

A huge well done to Greg Hewitt and the team for delivering such a fantastic event that continues to grow year after year. It was also great to meet Joshua Ludlam, Charlotte Mason-Curl, Nisha Ravat and Livvy Drake , and lovely to see Isabel Mack again. I left feeling inspired by the passion, creativity and determination of so many people working to reduce plastic pollution and create lasting change in their communities. 

Together, we can empower change for a plastic-free future.

Last week I attended the Plastic Free Gathering 2026. It was a great opportunity to hear about the latest policy, innovation and initiatives for reducing the harms of plastic on the environment and ourselves. The talk on data collection from beach and river cleans from Strandliners was a highlight. Their work has brought much needed attention to the Camber Sands biobead spill, and their data is vital for ensuring accountability is taken. An important message raised numerous times across the day is that plastic itself is not problematic; being plastic free often means a higher carbon footprint. The issue is irresponsible production, use and disposal by large corporations, enabled by a severe lack of policy and legislation. Advocacy and data is vital to making the change we so desperately need..

The summit was packed with inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and unforgettable conversations. Attendees included people and organisations passionate about tackling plastic pollution and single-use plastics – all driven by a shared mission: to inspire action, spark innovation, and drive real change. The speaker line-up was truly impressive. We heard about the latest policies, groundbreaking innovations, and bold initiatives reshaping how we think about plastic and its impact on our planet and health. 

Time and again, the theme of the day was collaboration. We heard countless stories of how one person’s idea can grow into a movement that transforms communities – a real ripple effect. The energy in the room was electric, and the connections we made were invaluable.

A brilliant day of talks and networking at The Plastic Free Gathering in Bristol. The problem of single use plastics hasn't gone away, and isn't going away any time soon. Far from it. As renewables pick up pace, fossil fuel companies are seeing ramping up single use plastic use as a way of keeping demand for oil high. But the good news is that there are so many solutions already out there, and so many more being trialled and piloted. And a whole heap of energy, passion, and dedication amongst the people working in this space. 

From very practical household level actions we can all join in with, like reusable party kits from the Party Kit Network CIC, or signing the Kids Party Pact from No Crap Parties (Party Pact CIC), through to organisations looking to scale reuse like Reposit and REUSE Foundation. 

Also great to hear from Surfers Against Sewage, Ellie Jackson, and Edd Moore about the role of schools in educating and inspiring young people to take action. And Livvy Drake getting us all thinking about the all important behaviour change element of so much of this work. 

When I was asked to do a session setting the scene for the day, I wanted to celebrate the people who were there, many of whom have been working in this space for years, with an awareness that the movement isn't where it was in 2019, and that this work can sometimes feel like pushing (plastic polluted) water uphill. 

We clearly need legislation and system change to properly deal with an issue as vast as plastic pollution, but all the people and organisations there at the weekend ARE changing systems, challenging the status quo and re-writing social norms. And they are ALL creating ripples of change every day. 

Huge thanks to Greg Hewitt and team for all their phenomenal work bringing together such a thoughtfully curated day of speakers and sessions.

A few talks that stuck with me: 

🌊 Peter Hoyland's work with Plastic Free Exmoor — one adventurous beach clean sparked a young person's career path into sustainability. These experiences can have longer-lasting impacts. 

🍅 Nisha Ravat launched a mobile greengrocery (Green Tomato UK) during lockdown, inspired by trips to see family in India — bringing fresh, loose fruit and veg to people's doors. When convenience, community and sustainability collide, something magic happens. 

🪣 Citizen scientists from Strandliners discovered that much of the waste at Camber Sands after busy weekends was beach toys — so they're setting up a beach toy library to encourage people to borrow, rather than buy. 

What I love about these examples is that they start with one person, deciding to act - but send ripples with positive impact beyond the immediate action and intention. A huge thank you to Greg Hewitt and the volunteer team for organising The Plastic Free Gathering.

The design for circular session was particularly interesting as I believe it is important to move towards a circular economy and the speakers gave refreshing perspectives, one without technology and the other with technology. It was definitely interesting to see how technology can support reuse in closing the loop and scaling reuse to be accessible to different industries and businesses. Definitely relevant!

Great event with truly inspirational experts and activists covering an excellent range of topics.

I found the opportunity to listen/watch the main sessions really helpful.  I have been inspired to keep going!  Looking forward to finding out more via various websites, and I will be passing some information on to others via our church newsletter.