Burnham-On-Sea’s Princess Theatre has switched to re-usable plastic cups in an effort to reduce its impact on the environment.
The theatre is one of several businesses in Burnham-On-Sea working towards achieving the status of a Plastic Free Community.
It has been looking at ways to reduce use of single use plastic whilst providing the same level of service.
The Princess has already made changes within its Arts Lounge by intoducing paper straws and recycled card takeaway coffee cups. They are also actively looking at ways to use even more sustainable products.
The retractable seating in the auditorium means that glass cannot be used as any breakages falling into the mechanism could cause significant damage.
Up until now, during events and shows, cold drinks have been served in single use plastic glasses, which whilst recyclable, have meant up to 200 being used and thrown away at each event.
During the latest Princess Management Committee meeting, members considered purchasing reusable cups instead and a firm in Highbridge called Green Goblets has provided cups featuring The Princess and Plastic Free logos.
Sam Nicol, Theatre Manager, said the idea behind the cups is that they will significantly reduce waste and provide a sustainable, cost effective alternative to glass. Customers will be charged a £1 deposit for the cup with their first drink.
When they buy their next drink they will be able to bring their cup to the bar and it will be exchanged for a clean one. They can either return the cup for their deposit, take it home as a souvenir or use it again at a later date.
The deposit charged meets the cost of the glass plus a little extra which will cover the purchase once a significant number of them have been kept.
Sam told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Every step we take to reduce waste is a step in the right direction. I love these cups and I’m so pleased that the Princess is helping to raise awareness of this important issue in our towns.”
The new cups will be launched at the screening of the film ‘A Plastic Ocean’, the newly released dramatic film about the impact of plastic on our seas. The film starts at 2pm on Saturday October 13th and is free to attend for all.
