“Ever thought where the money goes when you pay for your plastic bag?”
Every time you purchase a carrier bag, do you question where the money goes? It’s expected that the proceeds are donated to good causes, particularly environmental initiatives. Reducing single-use plastic and supporting charitable causes is an essential step toward creating a more sustainable and socially responsible business.
We try to avoid using plastic bags, with many of our outlets turning to paper alternatives. Where they have been used, we are donating the money raised to three charities. They tell us how the money is being used.
WasteAid
“1 in 3 people worldwide are forced to dump or burn their waste, causing the spread of disease, polluting the oceans, and contributing to the global climate crisis.
WasteAid’s work supports communities around the world that are facing some of the greatest challenges caused by the global waste crisis. The charity connects key decision-makers at every level of the waste value chain, from governmental representatives to waste collectors, to find lasting solutions to waste management and plastic pollution. By providing technical expertise, training, mentoring, investment, and creating circular economy networks it not only aims to reduce the environmental impact of dumped waste but to also alleviate poverty and reduce the health impact caused by toxins leaking into the water and air.
Waste management and the circular economy is a tool for sustainable development in global communities where waste is causing serious problems.
Every £ raised through plastic bag sales will work to improve the livelihoods of some of the poorest and most marginalised, support grassroots entrepreneurs, and promote circular economy innovation to reduce waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier future for all.”
Jessica Stickland – Head of Development
Marine Conservation Society
“The Marine Conservation Society fights for the future of our ocean through people powered action – with science on our side. Today, our ocean is in poor health because of human activity. We’re determined to change this, working with communities, businesses, and governments.
The donation from Compass Group UK and Ireland will be used to add funds to a number of our ongoing projects across all three of our pillars of work (cleaner ocean, protected ocean, and healthier ocean). For more than 30 years, we’ve been the voice of the sea, defending our coastal habitats and species. For a cleaner ocean, we find ways to prevent and clean up marine litter and pollution, using science to track the health of our waters. For a better-protected ocean, we secure spaces where species and habitats can recover. Only a sea full of life can absorb carbon and tackle climate change. For a healthier ocean, we promote sustainable fishing to minimise harm caused by harvesting resources.
And we educate the public so consumers can make better seafood-buying choices. Together, we can achieve our vision of seas full of life, where nature flourishes and people thrive.”
Charli Wilson, Corporate Partnerships Manager
FoodCycle
“FoodCycle connects communities by bringing people together to share food and conversation. Week in, week out, thousands of volunteers in over 83 locations across the country transform surplus food into healthy, delicious meals for anyone that needs them, no questions asked.
Food poverty and loneliness are growing issues and with the cost-of-living crisis enduring, people need our services more than ever. FoodCycle offers a safe, warm space to enjoy a free cooked meal and company, helping to save on food and electricity bills. At a FoodCycle meal you’ll see people from all backgrounds and walks of life coming together, improving mental wellbeing and strengthening community spirit.
“This funding from Compass Group UK and Ireland is enormously valuable for FoodCycle as we are seeing demand rise for our services as more guests come through our doors each week. Not only will this funding support our current projects, it will also help us grow. In 2024, we plan to launch 20 new Projects to reach our strategic goal of running 100 by 2025.”
Compass Group UK & Ireland has an ongoing partnership with FoodCycle, which complements this donation.
Jessica Phillimore - Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships Manager
