Single-Use Plastic Free Accreditation launched at the Southampton International Boat Show

The Green Blue's Kate Fortnam at Southampton International Boat Show © RYA

The Green Blue and the Final Straw Foundation joined forces at the Southampton International Boat Show yesterday (Monday) to launch a Single-Use Plastic Free Accreditation.

Aimed at inland and marine clubs, training centres and boating businesses, the new standard will highlight the responsible and innovative products and practices by organisations in the recreational boating industry.

The Green Blue's Kate Fortnam and the Final Straw Foundation's Bianca Carr launched the accreditation on the Foredeck Stage of the world-renowned Southampton International Boat Show. Members of the audience were given an overview of the accreditation criteria and the long-term impact that single-use plastic can have on both our inland and coastal waterways.

There are three levels of certification for organisations to rise through: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level is determined by the organisation's dedication to eliminating single-use plastic items from their activities. Suggestions can include, the removal of plastic cutlery, sustainable toilet rolls and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Depending on which level a club, training centre or business achieves, they will then be able to promote their certification with the accreditation's logo, which they can add to their business credentials. A list of all the participating companies achieving a certification will also be added to both environmental ambassador websites, making it easier for recreational boaters to make informed decisions when planning their next shopping trip.

Accreditation presentation - photo © RYA

Commenting on the launch of the Accreditation, Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue Campaign Manager, said: "The launch of the Single-Use Plastic Free Accreditation is all about working with the recreational boating community and showcasing the fantastic work that many clubs, centres and boating businesses are already implementing and encouraging others that may be interested but maybe aren't yet sure how to proceed.

"Launching the accreditation at the Southampton International Boat Show has been a great opportunity to raise awareness to boating businesses, marinas, clubs and individuals of the alternative boating practices available, and how they can play a role in increasing sustainable boating behaviours."

Bianca Carr, CEO and Founder of the Final Straw Foundation, said: "We're honoured to be working with The Green Blue on the Single-Use Plastic Free Accreditation. We firmly believe that businesses, recreational boaters and all water users of our waterways and oceans have a responsibility to lead the way with sustainability. It's vital that we learn to reduce the potential for pollution whilst creating best practices for others to follow. We hope this accreditation plays a key part in making those changes and will be hugely successful."

Clubs, centres and boating businesses that are keen to reduce their single-use plastic footprint can find the full Single-Use Plastic Free Accreditation criteria and guidance by visiting: finalstrawcertified.org