SINGLE-USE plastics could soon be a thing of the past in Dalston, as the area races to become Hackney’s first Low Plastic Zone.
The zone, which covers Kingsland Road and Ridley Road Market, is one of six “participating areas” in North London, where businesses are being encouraged to pledge to reduce their plastic waste.
Hackney Council wants at least 50 per cent of Dalston businesses to sign the North London Waste Authority’s “charter of commitment”, in order to gain the official Low Plastic Zone title.
Changing plastic habits
Shops and restaurants are being asked to remove disposable cutlery, straws and cups, offer free water refills and sell loose fruit and vegetables to encourage customers to change their plastic habits.
In 2017 Bulk Market became London’s first packaging-free grocery store when it opened on Bohemia Place in Dalston, .
Several other zero-waste shops have followed, and though Bulk Market has now moved, Dalston has continued to innovate.
Green New Deal
The ward has introduced schemes including object lending libraries, where residents can borrow power tools and electrical appliances, and public water fountains, leading councillor Jon Burke, cabinet member for energy, to dub it “Hackney’s very own Green New Deal District”.
The push comes after an area in neighbouring Islington became the first to achieve the Low Plastic Zone designation last month.
Nearly 75 per cent of businesses on Cowcross Street in Farringdon have committed to a permanent reduction of single-use plastic.
Hackney Council would not confirm how many businesses have signed the pledge so far, but other participating areas in Leytonstone, West Hampstead and Southgate are tipped to reach 50 per cent soon.
