MP for Chelmsford Vicky Ford attended the official launch of the Refill campaign in the city, which will make it easy, cheap and convenient to stay topped up with tap water on the go.
Vicky Ford MP joined teams from Essex & Suffolk Water and the Essex Waste Partnership to launch Refill Chelmsford on Saturday 29 September. The campaign aims to provide a network of cafes, shops, hotels and other businesses that will refill reusable water bottles for free – reducing our reliance on single use plastics.
Participating businesses can register on the Refill app and display a sticker in their window to show that they offer free tap water. The app also allows users to locate their nearest Refill station, so all they need to do is remember to carry a reusable bottle to stay topped up on the move.
A number of businesses in Chelmsford City Centre signed up to the scheme on the day, including Acanteen, Saracen’s Head Hotel, Preto Brazilian Steakhouse and Caffe Nero on the High Street.
Refill is a national initiative led by plastic pollution campaign group City to Sea, which is joining forces with water companies to create a national network of high street retailers, coffee shops, businesses and local authorities. It aims to provide Refill stations for the public to top-up their water bottles for free in every major city and town in England by 2021.
Essex & Suffolk Water is working in partnership with the Essex Waste Partnership to deliver the #RefillEssex scheme, alongside local volunteer groups and organisations.
