Liberal Democrat run South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has teamed up with local businesses to reduce plastic waste and promote healthy lifestyles.
The council’s Fill Up campaign asks businesses to offer free drinking water to encourage people to fill reusable bottles rather than buy a single-use plastic water bottle.
The initiative aims to cut plastic pollution and improve people’s health by increasing access to drinking water, while also saving residents money.
Participating businesses simply have to display a window sticker, which is provided by SLDC, to show members of the public they can fill their water bottle for free.
Around 40 organisations from across the district are already part of the scheme. One of those businesses is Bandito Burrito in Windermere, owner Ewan Murdock said: “We are trying to do our bit to reduce the amount of plastic we use.
“Not only are we showing our support for Fill Up, but we no longer sell plastic bottles or use food pots or cutlery made of plastic.”
The council say the response to the campaign has been positive, however, the authority is asking for more businesses to support the project.
SLDC’s Health, Wellbeing and Financial Resilience Portfolio Holder, Councillor Suzie Pye, said: “This council is passionate about the environment. Fill Up is a fantastic way of reducing single-use plastic bottle waste and it saves people money, while also encouraging residents to stay hydrated and healthy when they are out and about in South Lakeland.’’
Any organisation can sign up to Fill Up. More information on the campaign can be found at www.southlakeland.gov.uk.