The two clubs become the UK’s first to eradicate single-use plastic.
London dance venues Oval Space and The Pickle Factory are going plastic-free with immediate effect. As part of their new initiative Oval Green, the two spaces will no longer serve drinks via single-use plastic bottles and cups. Launched on 31 July, the initiative reflects the clubs’ attempt to go “completely green”. Oval Venues, the team behind the sister clubs, hope to evolve the spaces to become “two of the most environmentally responsible venues in the country.”
Plastic water bottles will be replaced with Life Water, a zero-plastic BPA-free, locally sourced and fully recyclable alternative. Plastic cups, on the other hand, will be replaced with fully compostable materials. The team behind the two venues said, “The effect will be drastic, replacing an average of 60,000 plastic cups and 3200 single-use plastic water bottles per month.”
“We hope that Oval Green will encourage other individuals, venues and corporates to re-think their plastic initiatives.”
Furthermore, Oval Venues have announced their plans to explore new eco-friendly energy providers and are considering paying extra for flights when booking acts. “Obviously, some aspects of our environmental impact remain outside of our control,” they added, “but recent initiatives, not least the transformation of Glastonbury this year, inspired us to start making changes ourselves.” This year, the Worthy Farm festival banned the sale of single-use plastic drinks bottles on the site.
As of 31 July, tickets for events at the two venues will include a £1 Green Tax fee. Corporate hire for the venue will rise to up to £75 more to fund the initiative. Money will go towards biodegradable materials, the disposal of them and new recycling facilities. Any remaining funds from the Green Tax will be donated to environmental organisations such as the student-led UKSCN and Friends of the Earth.
Read more about the initiative on Oval Space’s website.