Green Office Week: Belgrade Theatre Outlines Plastic Reduction Plan

As the devastating impact of plastic waste continues to hit the headlines in the UK, the Belgrade Theatre is committed to do its bit to reduce its own footprint by putting in place a range of new waste-reduction policies.

Running 14-18 May, Green Office Week offered the perfect opportunity to outline a new plan of action, which the Theatre hopes to have fully implemented by 1 June 2018. Here are six ways the Belgrade is planning to cut down on disposable plastics later this year.

Coffee Cups

Traditional single-use coffee cups combine plastic and paper elements, making them difficult to recycle. The Belgrade's new plant-based coffee cups will be 100% biodegradable, made using renewable and/or recycled materials with no plastic content whatsoever.

Straws

Disposable plastic straws have come under considerable fire in recent campaigns for waste reduction. Under this new eco-friendly policy, straws will be removed from the bars in an attempt to reduce usage altogether. Those requiring a straw will still be able to request one from bar staff, however, who will be happy to offer a new fully compostable, plant-based PLA straw on request.

Pint & half-pint drinks cups

It's not just coffee drinkers who'll be able to enjoy a guilt-free drink at the Belgrade. Plastic pint and half-pint cups are also being replaced with new biodegradable versions, made from sustainable, compostable materials from renewable, low carbon-footprint sources. They'll also be fully recyclable.

Salad Bowls

Just like the plastic cups, the transparent plastic salad bowls currently on offer will also be replaced with sustainable biodegradable containers.

Bin Liners

In place of standard plastic bin bags, the Belgrade will be switching to recycled polythene black liners. It's also reducing bin liner usage by emptying several bins out into a larger bags, rather than lining multiple bins and having to keep replacing the bags.

Milk Cartons

Instead of individual two-litre milk cartons, the catering team will now be purchasing milk in purgals - large, 24-pint boxes that can be placed directly into a machine which then pours the milk into reusable jugs.

This new strategy forms part of a wider commitment to improving sustainability and caring for the environment. Introduced in 2008, the Theatre's Striving to be Green project has involved the establishment of an in-house Green Team, including a representative from each department. In addition to the key points outlined above, every department will now be looking into ways of reducing its own plastic consumption.

For more information about the Belgrade's eco-friendly policies, visit www.belgrade.co.uk/about-us/environmental-policy.

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