More environmentally minded food and drink outlets are joining Refill Rushcliffe, encouraging thirsty passers-by to refill their reusable bottles with water and reduce single use plastic alternatives. Volunteer and Rushcliffe resident Ami Harrison is among those helping to introduce the scheme at more sites across the Borough, having recently approached outlets in Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bingham, as the volume of outlets registering on the easy to use app fast approaches 50.

She was joined on a recent trip to Bingham by Leader of the Council Cllr Simon Robinson and Bingham West ward councillors Cllr Francis Purdue-Horan and Cllr John Stockwood.

They met Rose & May Deli owner Ian Turner from the town who has been among the businesses to recently join the scheme. Cllr Robinson said: “It is heartening to see more and more venues in the Borough sign up to this excellent and most simple of initiatives.

“A thank you to all businesses who are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously and joining the scheme. “Some are even proudly stating they are completely plastic free which highlights the true spirit of what can be achieved when we all assess our plastic usage.
“Thanks too go to volunteers such as Ami who have approached us to help spread the word and alert businesses to how they can sign up by downloading the app.”

Ami highlighted businesses manage the registration to the scheme themselves meaning they can continue to support reducing plastic usage even if they move premises or expand.

She said: “I am really pleased that more businesses in Rushcliffe are registering to the scheme. I am meeting so many positive business owners who have a passion for making a difference with plastic reduction wherever they can.

“It takes a matter of minutes to register and I am sure as the warmer days arrive in spring and summer the free water refills will only encourage more people to use the participating outlets and their reusable cups.”