SeaFest Supporters – Galway businesses say ‘No to Plastic’ in our seas

Businesses across Galway are saying 'No to Plastic' in our oceans to support SeaFest, Ireland's national maritime festival taking place in Galway Harbour from 29th June to 1st July.

This year, the festival aims to highlight the impact of plastics in our oceans, with a particular focus on reducing single-use plastics on the festival site. The initiative is organised by the Marine Institute, in conjunction with Galway City Council's European Green Leaf programme.

Galway City Museum, Galway Atlantaquaira, 56 Central, Brazco Coffee Academy, Celestica, CPL Recruitment, Food For Thought, Honest Kitchen, the Irish Greyhound Board, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Temple Café, The Yield Lab Europe, The Heron's Rest, Tropical Medical Bureau, Glenville Nutrition, Galway Convention Bureau, Bank of Ireland – Galway and AMACH! LGBT Galway/Teach Solais Resource Centre have become Supporters of SeaFest by participating in this initiative. Galway businesses are invited to take part and adopt actions to reduce single- use plastics for the festival weekend and beyond.

Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute said, "A truck load of plastic waste finds its way into the ocean every minute of every day, and it's estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastic by weight than fish in the ocean unless behaviours change. I applaud the businesses of Galway that are supporting SeaFest, and have committed to reducing single-use plastics by offering alternatives for customers. These small changes can result in big impacts, which will encourage a change in behaviours long after the festival weekend."

Arlene Finn, European Green Leaf Coordinator with Galway City Council commented, "We can all find a way to use less 'single use' plastic, and I congratulate the SeaFest Supporters for taking the initiative. CPL Recruitment have provided all staff with re-useable water bottles and water filters to minimise bottled water waste. Celestica are banning disposable cups from the site and giving free travel mugs to employees. Food For Thought and 56 Central have moved away from plastic straws, providing biodegradable options instead. Brazo Coffee Academy have signed up for ReCupán and Refill.ie to support customers who use reusable coffee cups and water bottles. We welcome more businesses to come on board with this initiative, and hope they will take inspiration from those already involved".

For more information, or to sign up, contact Arlene Finn, Galway City Council at arlene.finn@galwaycity.ie