It comes after World Refill Day, a global day of action striving to inspire change and reduce the amount of single use plastic bottles that are used throughout the UK.
Instead of buying new every time, the awareness day encourages people to use their local refill stations to reduce the amount of landfill that is produced.
Earlier this year, members of the Weymouth and Portland Marine Litter Project raised the issue of the lack of refill points across the town, that would make it easier for people to make more sustainable choices.
Weymouth Town Council confirmed that in March, additional water fountains were installed at Overcombe, Swannery Car Park and Nothe Gardens, as well as by the café in Radipole Park and Gardens. The total cost for the four units was £8,000.
Dave Taylor, of the marine litter project, said the additional facilities were a positive step in protecting our oceans and beaches, that often see an influx in litter and plastic left in the area during peak summer periods.
He said: “With plastic production projected to double by 2040, the environmental toll of single-use convenience has reached a tipping point. Globally, an estimated 1 million single-use plastic bottles are purchased every single minute. Despite widespread recycling initiatives, a staggering 40 per cent of single use plastic bottles are not recycled in the UK.
“To combat this crisis, Weymouth & Portland marine litter project is encouraging the public to choose to reuse. By making small, everyday changes—such as swapping a single-use bottle for a reusable one—millions of people can collectively keep our oceans, communities, and streets plastic-free.”
A spokesperson for Weymouth Town Council said: “In March, we installed drinking water fountains outside our toilet blocks at Overcombe, the Swannery Car Park and Nothe Gardens, as well as a refill station by the cafe in Radipole Park and Gardens to encourage people to refill rather than buy more plastic bottles. Refilling using tap water reduces the amount of waste created, so we would encourage people to make use of the resource.
“These facilities complement the existing drinking water taps along the beach from the Pavilion end to Greenhill Gardens.”
