As London reopens this summer, with residents and commuters returning to work and more visitors planning holidays and daytrips, GB’s David Weir is calling for everyone to join the fight against plastic pollution by making the most of the newly reopened network of drinking fountains across the city.
The six-time gold medallist and eight-time winner of the London Marathon, who will soon be back racing for Paralympics GB at the Paralympic Games in August, has spoken about the importance of staying hydrated this summer while stemming the flow of plastic pollution that sees thousands of bottles a year finding their way into the Thames.
David Weir said: “As a proud Londoner I’m really glad to see the network of free drinking water fountains coming to life once again. These fountains will help people out and about enjoying the city this summer stay hydrated without relying on single-use plastic bottles, which can blight our outdoor spaces and pollute the Thames. Just don’t forget your reusable bottle!”
Up to one billion plastic bottles are used in London each year, with the average London adult buying more than three plastic water bottles every week – a startling 175 bottles every year per person. Water bottles represent almost half of all the drink bottles found in the Thames, making it the single most common type of drink bottle.2
Londoners can make the most of the network of simple to use water fountains reopening across the capital by clicking here to view a map the open fountains. Alternatively, download City to Sea’s Refill App. The fountains, supplied by MIW Water Experts, are funded by Thames Water and the Mayor of London and installed and maintained by Thames Water.
The fountains are completely accessible and safe. Advice from the NHS and the World Health Organisation is that coronavirus is not a waterborne virus and that the risk of catching it from a public drinking fountain is very low.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “I am committed to delivering a green recovery for our city and I want to make it as easy as possible for Londoners to ditch needless single-use plastics. Plastic pollution finds its way into oceans, harms our rivers and wildlife and takes centuries to break down.
“I’m delighted to be reopening these drinking fountains to help Londoners get back to using reusable bottles to do their bit for the environment. Through my work with Thames Water we’ve installed 54 fountains across London and we’re restarting the programme which will deliver over 100 in total. In addition to the fountains, there are now over 4,000 shops, cafes and restaurants offering free refills across the city through Refill London.”
