Plastics Policy

 We are all mindful of the destructive and detrimental effects plastic can have on the earth via landfill and in pollution of the oceans.

When the festival was born in 2015 as the Swanage Fish Festival, the aims were to showcase Swanage, the local businesses and their produce to local and visiting audiences, celebrating the wonderful and diverse bounty from the sea and to enjoy some delicious food. In time, the festival evolved into the Swanage Fish & Food Festival and looked to include a wider provision of food and drink products to appeal to all visitors. The festival has committed to the core ideals of maintaining sustainability, and eliminating our use of plastics, especially single use plastics (SUPs).

 Working with Swanage Town Council, we hope that our traders will take this onboard and work with us to create a plastic-free festival and a small step towards improving the natural environment for all.

 Traders

 In support of Swanage Town Council and our wider environment, the festival will be free of all Single Use Plastic (SUP).

We ask that all traders use biodegradable serve-ware and packaging, noting that biodegradable is NOT the same as compostable.

Recyclable and compostable items are classed as single use plastics and as such are not permitted on site, neither are plastic or polystyrene items.

No plastic sachets of sugar, salt & pepper or sauces are permitted.

No plastic disposable bottles of water/drinks are permitted to be sold at the event.

No single use plastic bags, sample cups, plastic straws, cutlery, or cocktails sticks will be permitted.

Permissible serve-ware:

·       Wooden cutlery

·       Biodegradable paper & cardboard cups

·       Biodegradable paper plates, bowls & take-away containers

·       Wooden stirrers

·       Re-useable/returnable ‘glasses’ for multiple use

Swanage Fish & Food Festival organisers reserve the right to request the removal of any item deemed to be SUP from stalls and will be carrying out checks during the event.

 Please note that failure to adhere to any of the above may result in not being accepted as a Trader in future years. If you require any help or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 We do hope you understand and respect our objectives behind this Plastics Policy and will work with us to achieve our aims. Smaller steps towards a larger goal are always effective if taken together – let’s do this!

(October 2024)