Bournemouth University has become the first ‘Refill Campus’ by pledging to help turn the tide on plastic pollution.
The new accreditation sees the unveiling of eye-catching artwork on 45 of their water refill points making it easier for students and staff to find a free water refill and reduce their need to buy water in a single-use plastic bottle.
The commitment to become a ‘Refill Campus’ is one that will see BU take steps to ensure that all of their buildings are single-use plastic free. This comes alongside the returnable cup scheme which has been launched across both campuses.
Lois Betts, Sustainability Manager at BU, said:
“Reducing disposable plastic waste is our Eco Campus goal and by becoming a Refill Campus with City to Sea we hope to encourage students and staff to refill their water bottles across campus and play their part in reducing our environmental impact”.
Stephen Jones, Head of Facilities Management at BU, welcomed the initiative saying:
“We are committed to eliminating single-use plastics from our campuses. We know that this is not only key in terms of minimising waste and litter, but it is also essential as we play a wider role as custodians of the campus and collectively responsible for the local natural environment.
“Our vision is a not just a university free from single-use plastic – but one where Bournemouth University plays a leading role in bringing about regional action in tackling this persistent environmental problem.”
The Refill Campus award comes from the not-for-profit, City to Sea.
Jane Martin, City to Sea’s CEO added:
"I’m delighted to welcome Bournemouth University on board as our first ‘Refill Campus’. To tackle the plastic crisis, we need universities to be local leaders in driving the transition from single-use to reuse. Refill is already highly visible along Bournemouth’s seafront thanks to BCP council, and it’s heartening that Bournemouth University is building on this work and stemming the tide of plastic pollution by offering reuse and refill to staff and students.”
The Refill campaign, launched by City to Sea in 2015, connects people to places they can eat, drink and shop without the pointless packaging. In 2022, BCP Council worked with City to Sea’s Refill campaign to transform the beachfront with 15 new ‘Hydration Stations’ and brightly coloured signage in efforts to tackle the plastic waste littering the beaches each summer. With BU now committing to becoming a ‘Refill Campus’, everyone in Bournemouth – whether they are here to enjoy the beaches or to study – will be able to do so without creating plastic waste.
