Mermaid Quay has proudly announced the arrival of the first GreenSeas Trust Bin in Wales, marking a significant step forward in the battle against marine plastic pollution.
This iconic bin is the 19th of its kind in the UK and represents a vital addition to Cardiff Bay, with Mermaid Quay being nominated to receive it by Cardiff Council for its strategic role in environmental conservation.
Designed specifically for collecting PET plastic waste, which is widely used in the production of single use plastic bottles and other food and drink containers, the bin aims to reduce the alarming statistic of 700,000 plastic water bottles being littered daily in the UK.
The GreenSeas Trust is committed to educating, promoting, and implementing programmes that prevent plastics from polluting our seas and coastal regions. Their BinForGreenSeas serves both a symbolic and practical role, raising awareness about the connection between improper waste disposal and its detrimental effects on marine life and human health. Mermaid Quay hopes that the new bin will encourage visitors and the local community to responsibly dispose of their plastic waste in a bid to make tangible changes to the future health of the local eco system.
Cllr Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Waste, Street Scene & Environmental Services, will be joining the team at Mermaid Quay to cut the ribbon to inaugurate this important environmental initiative on August 1st 2024 at 2:30pm Quayside, outside Las Iguanas.
Becky Jones, Marketing Manager at Mermaid Quay, expressed her excitement saying “We are extremely proud to host the first GreenSeas Trust Bin in Wales here at Mermaid Quay. This initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and the environment. By encouraging visitors to properly dispose of plastic waste, we hope to inspire a culture of awareness and action against marine pollution. Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving the natural beauty of Cardiff Bay for future generations.”
A spokesperson from Cardiff Council, added: “We are thrilled to have been donated this wonderful new GreenSeas Trust recycling bin for plastics in Cardiff Bay. Single-use, throw-away plastic culture is increasing at a concerning pace, and this new addition to the heart of Cardiff Bay is a positive step forward to help tackle the problem locally and reduce the wave of plastic from entering our oceans!”
Fazilette Khan, MNM, CEnv, IEng, Founder Trustee of The GreenSeas Trust said: “GreenSeas Trust is delighted to award the BinForGreenSeas to Cardiff. Having this nautical themed bin sited next to John Masefield’s iconic poem, Cargoes, is very fitting. The bin spotlights the consequences of marine plastic pollution on our oceans. The Charity is confident the graphics on the BinForGreenSeas will encourage visitors of Mermaid Quay to dispose of their plastic litter responsibly and help protect the marine ecosystems and wildlife.”
For more information on Mermaid Quay please visit https://www.mermaidquay.co.uk/centre-info/ and for more information about the GreenSeas Trust and its initiatives, visit www.greenseas.org
