Cwmbran mum offers advice to tackle plastic waste by setting up dedicated Facebook group

Lauren Morse, 31, created the ‘A Journey to Zero Waste in Torfaen’ Facebook group three weeks ago and it is already at almost 3,000 members.

Ms Morse said: “Over the last year I’ve been trying to make changes in what myself and my family are buying and what goes into our bins.

“I think the disposable lifestyle we lead is ridiculous.

“A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of some of my changes on my own Facebook profile and had lots of comments asking for more information.

“A few friends of mine mentioned about setting up a Facebook group and so 'A Journey to Zero Waste' began.”

(The Zero Waste Torfaen logo)

She is using the group to help make others aware of the different lifestyle changes that can easily be made and still have a positive impact on the environment.

With the members all sharing tips, Ms Morse says she has learnt more about plastic free businesses in Torfaen.

She said: “I didn’t think that we had one on our doorstep in Torfaen, but we have quite a few.

“The major towns under Torfaen, like Cwmbran, Pontypool and Blaenavon all have greengrocers who are aiming to do zero waste packaging.

“I went to the one in Llanyravon today and bought loose grapes by taking my own container and tipping the grapes into it.

“I’m mindful of not being too scary – it’s about small, manageable changes that make a difference when everyone does it.

“If all the members of the group make just one change, like buying loose apples rather than packaged ones, it will make a big difference.”

(Lauren Morse is helping people to go plastic free with her Facebook group and website)

Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member for the environment, said: “Lauren has tapped into the big question many of us often ask ourselves – ‘How can I do more for the environment?’

“We will never recycle our way out of our waste problem but we can do more; reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose and rebel against manufacturers and supermarkets that aren’t changing to more environmental practices.

“We can also support businesses that already provide more sustainable services, such as the several traders in Pontypool Indoor Market.

“The group and website makes it much easier to work out the small changes we can all make as a collective.

“It’s always important to focus on the outcomes, reducing our waste and preventing single use items.

“Most importantly, we must remember why we’re doing this.

“It’s our children and their children that will suffer the consequences of our global impact if we don’t act soon enough and together.”