On 14 January 2020, RAF Brize Norton launched its campaign to drastically reduce the Station’s Single Use Plastic (SUP) footprint.
The event was organised to spread awareness and to educate on the harmful effects of plastic waste and to get the support of personnel to minimise, if not eliminate, single-use plastic from their day to day lives. Sections around Station have already begun several small initiatives on SUP reduction and promoting reuse, reduce and recycle.
The campaign has been led by Sergeant Ryan Duffy who first started by instigating a ban on the use of disposable coffee cups and single use water bottles in the by all staff and students. After the initial success Sergeant Duffy wanted to extend this initiative across the whole of RAF Brize Norton and, with the support of the Station Commander, this has been possible.
“I know Station personnel will support the campaign. Since it began in 2018, I have met so many people on Station who are equally as passionate about making a difference and moving forward from this event. I hope everyone will promote the initiatives Brize Norton are committing to and adopt them within their sections.”
Sergeant Ryan Duffy
Defence Movement and Training School
With over 6,000 personnel on Station small changes will make a big difference! Our industry partners on Station, including AirTanker and Sodexo, have made big changes to their working practices to reduce waste and to increase recycling. The event today was also supported by Polythene UK who provide the recyclable pallet bags for Air Movements.
The Station has also created a Sustainability Committee to look at much larger projects which include the installation of solar panels and electric cars and electric charging points. It is important for us to protect the environment for future generations and it is clear many people are enthusiastic about supporting these changes.
“I am so proud to see the very positive environmental step we are taking forward as a Station and today has shown how many people are passionate about the issue of single use plastic. We all want to make this a better place to work and live”
Wing Commander John Hetherington
Officer Commanding Base Support Wing
