Care homes take action for ‘Plastic Free July’ | News

Residents and staff across our care homes have been embracing  Plastic Free July, finding practical and creative ways to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices. The initiative forms part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on single-use plastics. 

This year’s campaign followed a survey completed by care home staff, which highlighted opportunities to cut down on unnecessary plastic use while maintaining the high standards of care and infection control that residents depend on. Staff identified everyday items such as disposable cups, food packaging, bottles and containers, as areas where small changes could make a big difference.

Across Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath, Saxonwood care home in Battle and Woodlands care home in Crowborough, teams have been sharing ideas and putting sustainable practices into action. Initiatives have included;

• encouraging staff to use reusable water bottles

• reusing clean milk cartons

• bottles and containers for arts and crafts projects

• plant pots and bird feeders

• exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives to certain disposable products.

At Woodlands, staff have been developing a longer-term approach by creating a sustainability action plan, and identifying a Green Champion to help drive future environmental initiatives. The home has also committed to carrying out regular sustainability audits to ensure progress continues beyond the campaign itself.

Meanwhile, Saxonwood’s commitment to sustainability recently attracted praise from the Mayor of Battle, Sue Burton, who visited the home to learn more about its environmental activities. Staff shared examples of recycling, waste reduction and sustainable working practices, demonstrating how care homes can make a positive difference through everyday actions.

Residents at Oakwood Court have been enjoying refreshing, thirst-quenching juice served in glass bottles with recyclable paper straws. The team have been bringing their belongings to work in reusable tote bags instead of single-use plastic carrier bags.

The Plastic Free July challenge has also encouraged staff to think about sustainability beyond the workplace, from shopping locally and reducing packaging at home to making greater use of reusable bags and containers.

Vafa Hurst, Head of Care, said: “Our teams have come up with some fantastic practical ideas to reduce waste and support our sustainability goals. Plastic Free July is a great opportunity to review how we work, share ideas and make small changes that collectively have a positive impact on the environment.”

As the campaign comes to a close, Sussex Housing & Care will continue to build on the ideas generated by staff, incorporating them into our sustainability strategy and plans. From reusable water bottles and washable aprons to creative recycling projects, the initiative has shown that many small actions can add up to make a meaningful difference.