Waste Action

Ban the bag

We coordinated the campaign to Ditch the Plastic, Make Helston Fantastic in partnership with other local groups. Inspired by Rebecca Hosking’s pioneering work in Modbury, we joined the wider movement towards a plastic-free Cornwall.

Cornish beaches were once reported to have the worst litter problem in the UK. As contributors to the Ban the Bag chapter in the Alistair Sawday Community Toolkit, we worked to reduce plastic use and irresponsible disposal — for the sake of our wildlife and coastline.

ban_the_bag

Helston has since taken further steps towards becoming a plastic-free community. The Plastic Free Helston initiative, part of the Surfers Against Sewage network, continues to grow. Local businesses have become plastic-free champions, refill stations have been mapped, and schools have joined the campaign to reduce single-use plastics. In 2025, Helston’s Flora Day was celebrated with a new mascot — the Rewilderbeest — helping keep the event plastic-free

Making charcoal

We trialled the use of arisings — waste from invasive woodland species — in controlled burns to produce cooking charcoal. With 40,000 tonnes of charcoal flown into the UK annually, much of it linked to tropical deforestation, we encouraged the use of local or FSC-certified products to reduce environmental harm.

Building

We’ve long been involved in environmentally efficient building practices. Our office was designed with sustainability in mind: a grass roof, local timber cladding, water sourced from a borehole, high-grade insulation, and heating from locally sourced wood.

Helston’s commitment to sustainable building has continued. The Helston Gateway Project, transforming a derelict supermarket into a community and health hub, is now nearing completion. The building has achieved an A+ energy rating, with solar panels, ground source heating, and super-insulated design — a model for sustainable construction in Cornwall

Related Community Initiatives in Helston

We are proud to share the work of others in our area who are contributing to sustainability and resilience:

  • Plastic Free Helston Led by local volunteers as part of the Surfers Against Sewage network. More info: https://plasticfreehelston.wordpress.com
  • Helston Gateway Project A redevelopment of the former supermarket into a sustainable community hub. Updates: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/helston-gateway
  • Helston Community Larder A volunteer-run initiative reducing food waste and supporting families in need. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helstoncommunitylarder
  • Repair Café Helston Part of a global movement to extend the life of everyday items. More info: https://repaircafe.org/en (search “Helston” for local updates)