The third instalment of the Plastic Free Awards took place on Friday 16^th June at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. We were delighted to host the awards alongside co-founder Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation to celebrate the incredible movement of people and communities fighting for a future without plastic pollution.

The awards ceremony brought together environmental activists and community leaders from around the UK. People from all walks of life, including young campaigners, small businesses, sports clubs and schools, were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the plastic free movement.

The evening was hosted by head judge Lucy Siegle, alongside our expert panel of judges which included the likes of professional surfer and scientist Dr Cliff Kapono and environmental activist Skye Neville.

Surfers Against Sewage’s Head of Communities, James Luxton said:

The tide is turning in the fight against plastic pollution and now, more than ever, we need to be empowered to help kick our single-use plastic habit. Celebrating the heroic efforts of campaigners, volunteers and communities who have stepped up to the challenge is one way to inspire us all into being the change we’d like to see. Massive congratulations to award nominees!

We’re excited to announce the winners for our twelve award categories are:

BEST CAMPAIGN

The Big Sea – Lewis Arnold, Chris Nelson, Demi Taylor

INNOVATION AND DESIGN

Ekologik – Kaye Wannerton

MEDIA AWARD

Maddie Moate

SPORTING FOR CHANGE

Forest Green Rovers

BUSINESS LEADER

CG Living

SCHOOLS CHAMPION

Newpark Comprehensive

CHANGEMAKER

Project Seagrass – Dr Leanne Cullen-Unsworth

PLASTIC FREE CREATIVE

Sussex contemporary illustrators and printmakers (SCIP)

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS

Shambala Festival (Christopher Johnson)

COMMUNITY AWARD

Clean Ocean Sailing

YOUTH ACTIVIST

Ullapool Seasavers

OCEAN ACTIVIST OF THE YEAR

David Haze

During the awards, we also presented a special award to Claire Sumners who was nominated for multiple categories as a pivotal part of the Plastic Free movement. Tragically Claire passed away so Claire’s husband was presented with a special award in her memory to recognise and celebrate everything Claire brought to our community.

We would like to thank the Plastic Free Awards sponsors – Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation and Knight Frank. We would also like to thank the Plastic Free Awards judges Giles Bristow, Lucy Siegle, Dan Crockett, Sian Sutherland, Dr Paula Owen, Dr Cliff Kapono, Sky Neville, Gabe Davies & Lauren Davies.

Special thanks to the incredible nominees and all who entered.