So far, 20 Chepstow businesses have signed up to say that they are committed to reducing single-use plastics as part of the Plastic Free Chepstow campaign. Some have already cut out at least three items, some are completely plastic-free, others are working on it.
“We’re not expecting anyone to go completely plastic free – the key is to keep it simple and make a difference by changing one or two habits. Our washing up liquid is a good example – it’s very good, it’s made in the Forest of Dean, it’s at least as cheap as competing brands and you can use the same bottle again and again.”
Nadine Jones, Deputy Manager, Monmouthshire Upcycle
“All this stuff that’s just thrown away – it drives me crazy!”
Christine Voisin, Tell Me Wine
“Obviously, we all have a responsibility to think about what sort of environment we are going to hand over to our kids. They are only small changes we’ve made – giving up plastic straws, plastic cups and so on, but all these small changes help.”
Gareth Collins, The Beaufort Hotel
“I’ve always tried to be plastic free – the rest of the world is catching up with me!”
Nic Meyrick, Owner, Tiffin Tea Rooms
“This is a really positive move. We have to get rid of as much single use plastic as possible, as soon as possible. And my customers will appreciate it.”
Mick Lewis, The Greenman Backpacker Hostel
“It’s good for business and good for the town.”
Gamal Omran, Route 66
“I’ve always been passionate about not using plastic. We use paper bags and cellulose-based packaging, and a lot of our jewellery uses recycled materials.”
Jenny Skelton, Silk Road Bazaar

“It’s always been one of our policies to have a low carbon footprint. Most of the fittings in the shop are re-used or recycled, and we use paper carriers or tissue paper. I’m working on my suppliers to do the same!”
Angela Seymour, Runway Fashion
“It made me think about what we can do, both as individuals and as a business.”
Matt Taylor, Chepstow Bookshop
“It made me realise how much damage we are doing to our planet. So we have been trying to do our bit, both at home and in the business.”
Jon Amphlett, Toytastik
“I’ve been keen to make a difference in Chepstow since moving back here. Working with Plastic Free Chepstow and signing up to reduce my plastic use is a step in the right direction.”
Charlotte Moore, Moore Language Solutions
It is no coincidence that these are local, independent businesses.
“Local businesses have more freedom of action, and also more stake in the local environment. If you support these local businesses, you are strengthening the local economy and also helping to cut down on plastic.”
Sue Kingdom, Secretary of Chepstow Chamber of Commerce
It makes business sense too. Although some substitutes for plastic are a little more expensive, there is inevitably going to be more and more legislation on single-use plastic over the coming months and years. Companies who are looking at alternatives now will be ahead of the game.
Plastic Free Organisations
It’s not just commercial businesses who have a part to play. Chepstow Town Council resolved in March 2018 to cut out single use plastics from its own premises and the events it supports. Local community centres Bulwark Community Centre and the Palmer Centre have signed up to become plastic free, cutting out items such as plastic straws, cups and cling-film. Chepstow Methodist Church and Chepstow Baha’I Faith are taking similar measures. Chepstow Library is also participating.
“We enthusiastically endorse all efforts to go plastic free in Chepstow as we are committed to caring for God’s creation.”
Minister of Chepstow Methodist Church
If you are running a business in Chepstow and want to reduce the amount of single-use plastic in your business please get in touch with us at plasticfree@transitionchepstow.org.uk or through our Facebook page. We are aiming to get at least 30 businesses formally signed up as being plastic free by the end of 2018.