The Plastic Free Island of Alderney

Just a stones throw from the south coast of England lies the beautiful island of Alderney. With no crowds no queues and no traffic jams our small island is often described as the 'hidden gem of the Channel Islands' and offers a warm, peaceful and relaxing home or escape for visitors.

The community on this small idyllic island are passionate about keeping Alderney special and began work to become a Plastic Free Community in 2017, the island was the second community to receive ‘Plastic Free’ status from Surfers Against Sewage. Since then the community has continued working to free the island of single-use plastic.

A huge step has been taken to towards the goal of being a plastic free community in the last couple of weeks. The Alderney Kiln Farm Dairy are now proud owners of the islands first milk vending machine which will help eliminate plastic bottles.

The States of Alderney is pleased to support the Alderney Dairy in its latest initiative in reducing single use plastics. The new milk vending machine was launched at The Farm Shop, which will enable customers to purchase milk in re-useable glass bottles, as opposed to single use plastic containers.

The cost to the customers will reduce slightly, however more importantly will be the reduction in the costs of importation, recycling and exportation of plastic bottles, and the associated impact on the environment.

Graham McKinley, Chairman of General Services Committee whose remit includes the Dairy Farm Management Contract together with waste disposal, commented that “my Committee is fully supportive of this initiative to reduce plastics into the waste stream and congratulate the Alderney Dairy, the Alderney Farm Shop, and all those concerned with the project, which I understand is the first of its kind in the Bailiwick”.

The joint initiative is also sponsored by the Alderney Wildlife Trust and Alderney Shipping Company.

This is a pilot scheme which has the potential to be rolled out to other retail outlets if successful. 

Keeping Alderney special.