Plastic Free St Ives

Support local eco-friendly businesses

by Emma Fashokun, Cornish Gems Guest Experience and Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Even though the world is beginning to take notice of plastic-strewn beaches and injured marine creatures, we know that the gradual degeneration of plastics into microplastics will be a blight on our environment for decades – and even centuries. But history has shown us that with every crisis comes innovation, and as a plastic free community, we have been inspired by the efforts of local makers and businesses to reduce the impact that plastic has on our coast, our marine life and our planet.

S W Elle – Recycled fishing gear macrame plant hangers

Handmade in St Ives by Elle, these beautifully constructed decorative plant hangers are suitable for interior or exterior decoration. Using discarded fishing rope, Elle meticulously crafts knotted hanging bakers, bracelets, key rings and bespoke pieces. Find more information on her Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/S.W.ElleCornwall/

Cornish Spliced – Recycled and repurposed fishing rope dog leads

From a local grandfather and granddaughter team comes Cornish Spliced, cleaning beaches in the area and making products with the abandoned rope that they find on our shores. Not only are they clearing the beaches of plastic, but Grandad is passing on his splicing skills, and we’ve spotted more than one handsome dog modelling this great product! For information and suppliers follow them on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Cornishspliced/ Plastic Oceanic – Recycled, reclaimed plastic jewellery and household items

Founded by Penryn-based surfer and diver Dan Edwards, Plastic Oceanic has an impressive array of items which are beautifully made using unrecyclable plastic collected from the seas off the Cornish coast. The range includes necklaces, coasters and keyrings, and all products are available to order from their website. https://www.plasticoceanic.com/productcategory/necklaces/

Waterhaul – Sustainable, recycled eyewear

Newquay-based Waterhaul was formed by marine conservationists looking for practical solutions to the problem of the mass of ocean plastic they encountered. Waterhaul recycles collected plastic into stylish sunglasses and optical eyewear, and combines reasonable prices with frames and styles to suit everyone. https://waterhaul.co/

Just like these local companies, which are helping to reduce the plastic waste that litters the coastlines of Cornwall, we can all reduce our carbon footprint by buying local and supporting our local economy.

Finally, a call for volunteers. The Plastic Free St Ives committee would love to hear from like- minded individuals who would like to get involved in our work. The past two years have seen us continuing to spread the word, mostly remotely, but we do hope that 2022 allows for more face-to-face meetings and public events, such as beach cleans. To get in touch, please message us via our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/plasticfreestives/

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