Single-use plastics policy.

The person responsible for monitoring SUP’s.

The person responsible for the monitoring and implementation of this policy is the General Manager, Dodou Touray.

The issue.

Single-use plastics can be described as any disposable plastic item that is designed to be used only once. Single-use plastics are often used in packaging, consumer products, cosmetics and healthcare. Examples include plastic bags, disposable utensils, beverage containers, balloons and wet wipes. It is estimated that around 50% of plastic waste we produce globally is packaging that is used just once.
There are two key issues linked to this policy:

1. Plastic pollution is litter – Plastic pollution is both a global and local issue that affects the natural and urban environment, the oceans, beaches and links to people’s health and wellbeing. Pollution from SUP found in our towns and villages impacts aesthetically but is also costly to clear up.
2. Plastic is a major contributor to climate change – Chemicals derived from fossil fuel production are used to make almost all plastics. The more plastic made, the more petrochemicals are required, and the more petrochemicals required, the higher the demand for gas, oil and even coal. By reducing or removing SUP this will mean that Footsteps are helping to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, thereby reducing the CO2 in the atmosphere.

The Single-Use Plastics Policy

Footsteps Eco-lodge will act to remove and reduce the use of Single-Use Plastic from its operations and services as well as working towards finding positive solutions for reducing unnecessary waste across its departments.

How we will go about doing this:

A SUP action plan supports this policy setting out what, how and when this will be achieved. Implementing this Footsteps Eco-lodge will:

1. Lead by example by embedding the SUP policy into our strategies, policies and plans. Where the use of plastics is unavoidable, Footsteps Eco-lodge will encourage the use of recycled plastics. We will support local manufacturers that make products from locally sourced waste plastics. ie Wasteaid Gambia.

2. Work with our suppliers and contractors. Ask our suppliers to have a SUP policy in place or demonstrate that they are minimising the use of single-use plastics in their service provision and are finding sustainable alternatives where appropriate.

A SUP audit will be carried out the general manager on an annual basis in June.