Marine Resources cut out single-use plastic to help the environment with new sustainability pledge

Marine Resources cut out single-use plastic to help the environment with new sustainability pledge © Final Straw Solent

Marine Resources, a successful and award winning, shore-based marine recruitment company based near Southampton, have partnered with environmental campaign Final Straw Foundation to improve their sustainability and reduce the amount of single-use plastic they use.

Research shows that of all the plastic waste that has ever been produced, only 9% has been recycled. The message to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic is becoming more prevalent in everyday and business life.

James Ward, Managing Director of Marine Resources, is clear about the steps the company wants to take. 'We strongly believe that the people that should be shouting the loudest about ocean health and sustainability are those in the Marine industry. We are really excited to be taking positive steps to reduce the amount of plastic waste we create as a business and to be able to encourage others to do the same. Simple steps like banning single-use plastic bottles and coffee cups in the office and putting strong recycling processes in place will make a huge difference to how much waste we produce. We hope that the team here will take these sustainable habits home and continue to spread the word.'

Marine Resources are beginning their journey by going single-use plastic free in the office and whilst out and about at all trade shows and meetings. The Final Straw is working with the team to help make the business more sustainable. As a simple starting point, each team member is being supplied with a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and a set of beeswax wraps.

Over the last year Marine Resources estimate that they used 400 rolls of toilet paper, equating to 12.5 miles of paper and the loss of two trees. They disposed of approximately 1000 plastic bags and used 260 plastic milk bottles. They are switching to more sustainable bamboo toilet paper, refillable cleaning products, the removal of all plastic bags, milk being delivered by the local milk man and central recycling points in the office rather than individual bins to encourage proper recycling practices.

Bianca Carr of the Final Straw Foundation is pleased with the collaboration. 'This positive change needs to be celebrated and we hope other businesses will follow suit. By conducting a single-use plastic and waste audit in the office at Marine Resources, it really helped to identify areas where sustainable switches can be made. With these figures being available we can measure the direct impact of the changes that are being made.'

Marine Resources and the Final Straw Foundation are going to continue to work together over the coming months. Workshops and presentations to staff will ensure the team are informed on sustainability. The team will spread this ethos to clients, who will be invited to share their environmental policies with Marine Resources so they are available for prospective recruits to view. Clients will also have the chance for support from Final Straw to grow and further their 'green' credentials.