Rotary Walk sponsors to combat single-use plastics

Monday 30 April 2018

The Saffery Rotary Walk committee is encouraging walkers and spectators to reduce their use of single-use plastic at this year’s round island walk.

More than 600 people take part in the walk each year and the committee is proactively looking at ways it can reduce its environmental impact.

The committee has worked closely with Guernsey Water to find ways of providing water around the route and for 10 years the company has opened standing pipes at the walk’s checkpoints so that walkers can refill water bottles.

“Stand pipes are a great way to provide water to walkers participating in this annual event. A real bonus is reducing the need for single use plastic bottles on the walk," Chris Hall, Customer Service Manager at Guernsey Water, said.

Pictured: The 2017 Saffery Rotary Walk

Chairman of the Saffery Rotary Walk Committee Simon Milsted added: “Ensuring walkers stay hydrated during the epic 39-mile challenge is of paramount importance, especially if it’s a glorious summer’s day. It’s fantastic that Guernsey Water is able to put in place standing pipes for walkers to refill reusable bottles and this has dramatically cut the amount of bottled water we have provided over the years.

“While there will of course still be bottled water available to walkers, if for whatever reason they cannot use a refillable source at any point, we are hoping the majority will join us in reducing the use of plastic at this year’s walk.”

The committee has also put in place recycling bins at every checkpoint around the route so that any plastic water bottles can be recycled and not end up in landfill. 

Lead sponsor of the walk, Saffery Champness, has an ethos of protecting the environment in which it operates and has a number of green initiatives in-house.

“We recognise the importance of protecting Guernsey waters, and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. We encourage our staff to use glasses or refillable bottles at office water dispensers and bring in used batteries which we can recycle alongside any recyclable waste and packaging used in house,” said Director, Lisa Vizia. 

“We’re proud to support the walk, which is the largest charity event on the island, but understand that the environmental impact the event has on the island must be considered. If every walker brought with them a reusable water bottle this would significantly help towards making the walk single-use plastic free.” 

As well as encouraging walkers to reduce single-use plastics the committee also asks walkers to pick up any rubbish they see during their training walks and on the day itself, to be conscientious and carry litter with them to the bins along the course.  

Pictured: Some of the charities to benefit from the 2018 Saffery Rotary Walk

The 2018 Saffery Rotary Walk takes place on Saturday 9 June and individuals and relay teams can register for the 39-mile challenge online at: www.safferyrotarywalk.com.