How Emsworth Sailing Club is fighting to protect the environment

Emsworth Sailing Club’s new dedication to the environment includes cutting down on food waste, not using plastic bottles or cutlery and reducing the amount of water used when cleaning boats.

A launch event to mark the club’s new policy, supported by Final Straw Solent, saw adults and children sweep the shore and pick up harmful litter that had been dumped – posing a threat to marine life.

Commodore Jane Scott, a long term member of the club, has been instrumental in making the environmental agenda a reality.

She said: ‘It’s about making small practical steps that add up to making a big difference. So we are looking at how we recycle things, the amount of food waste we have.

‘Cutting down on the amount of water we use is also important because a lot of people use excess water when washing their boats. So we have brought in new nozzles on water cleaners which help make reductions in how much we use.

‘We no longer have plastic water bottles or cutlery and do not use cardboard cups or sachets for food.’

She added: ‘I’m very proud that we are the first sailing club in the country to embrace these environmental changes. Hopefully other clubs in the harbour will now follow us.’

Club member Peggy Field, who originally came up with the idea, said: ‘It’s been a real team effort. One individual can’t change an organisation so having the leadership on board is crucial.

‘I’ve been at other clubs where they have tried to make changes but nothing has happened. Jane has made things happen.’

Oliver Clift, catering manager at the club, said: ‘We use a lot of recyclable items now. People think it is difficult to make these changes but it’s not. Small changes make a big difference. We now create a lot less waste.’

Bianca Carr, of Final Straw, who was leading the litter picking, added: ‘A lot of little things like electrical tape that are bad for marine life have just been dumped on the floor. People need to be more responsible.’