A local community is leading the way to tackle the problem of throw-away and single use plastic.

The smallest city in the UK, St Davids, has been awarded Plastic Free Community status following two years of community engagement and partnership-building by local environmental social enterprise EcoDewi.

The award, from the marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), is in recognition of the work St Davids has completed to reduce the impact of single-use plastic on the environment.

EcoDewi started the campaign as part of the wider work to try to decarbonise St Davids Peninsula and work with the community on environmental projects. Much of this work has been supported by a Sustainable Development Fund grant from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

EcoDewi pulled together key organisations and businesses in the city to put in place the SAS five-point plan to become Plastic Free Champions.

“It has been fantastic to work with a range of great local businesses and organisations towards this award for St Davids,” said EcoDewi’s project lead Jeremy Wadia.

“Of course the city isn’t totally plastic free, but there are loads of actions we can all take to reduce single-use products in our day to day lives for the benefit of our environment.

“EcoDewi is excited to also be working with the communities of Solva and Llanrhian to gain their award and make a difference across the whole Peninsula.”

So far community and faith groups have signed up as Plastic Free Allies, pledging to reduce single-use plastic and The pupils and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi’s Non Campus has just been confirmed an official Plastic Free School.

EcoDewi leads mothly beach cleans across the area which counts towards the award. Plus. The group has also run a range of events, such as film nights and talks, raising awareness of the damage single-use plastic is doing.

Following the commitment of St Davids City Council a number of businesses signed up for the Plastic Free Champion award.

So far, four business have achieved the Bronze Award in St Davids; Pilgrims Café, MamGu Welshcakes café, The Really Wild Emporium and St Davids Bunk Barns.

One business, the Smorgasboard board games café, has gone even further by achieving the Silver Award.

“More and more visitors to the area are expecting businesses to have a clear focus on environmental sustainability and EcoDewi believe this is a great way for local firms to highlight their positive actions and hard work behind the scenes,” said Jeremy.

“I am really pleased to see that all the hard work of the community, to reduce the usage and impact of single-use plastic, has been rewarded by this Plastic Free Community Award”, said Cllr Bira Sehmi, Mayor of St Davids City.

“We have a huge opportunity, especially with so many visitors to our city each year, to inspire everyone to take simple steps to reduce the amount of waste being created and help prevent more plastic from impacting our previous marine environment.

“I would like to thank all those who participated in achieving this award and encourage even more businesses and organisations to get involved. Gaining this award is just the start!”

Anyone in St Davids, Solva or Llanrhian who wants to get involved with this project as well as any other interested communities can email hello@ecodewi.org.uk.

You can read more about EcoDewi at ecodewi.org.uk or by following the group on social media.