Backing for reusable water bottle scheme

Portsmouth Water has announced it is sponsoring Final Straw Solent's drinking water bottle initiative.

Bianca Carr, founder of Final Straw Solent, which works in partnership with The News, said: '˜We are delighted that Portsmouth Water have come on board and supported our initiative to reduce the number of single use plastic bottles in the local area.

'˜By giving us their support we have been able to offer the well-known chilly water bottles at nearly cost price.'

The 500ml bottles will be available for  £13.50 and it will cost £17 for the larger 750ml bottles which currently come in blue and neon yellow.

Bianca added: '˜We have kept the cost low because we want as many people as possible to stop using single-use plastic bottles.

'˜With all the money raised through the sale of water bottles going back into our schools and community outreach programme and beach clean equipment, it really is a win win for the environment.'

Ian Limb, Head of HR at Portsmouth Water said: '˜Final Straw Solent are an organisation that fits with our values of looking after the environment and they have already created great momentum in the local area in helping making us all aware of the concerns of single use plastic to our environment.

'˜With more and more businesses and restaurants offering free tap water refills, as well as the appearance of drinking water fountains, this is a fantastic initiative to help reduce the need for single use plastic bottles.'

Final Straw Solent and The News teamed up earlier this year in the ongoing fight to rid plastic waste in the region with over 100 businesses signed up to tackle the problem.

Bianca said: '˜It is so important that we all work together to clean up our beaches so we are hosting The Great Solent Beach Clean with events in Hayling Island, Eastney, Southsea and Gosport to make sure the wildlife can thrive and our area is kept clean.' 

The Great Solent Beach Clean will be taking place on Saturday, September 15 from 10am and all companies and community groups that turn up on the day will be put on a Roll of Honour in The News.

To buy a Chilly's water bottle visit  finalstrawsolent.wordpress.com