Wash-Hubs is the principle project name for Wash-Ability CIC which is registered in Great Britain as a COMMUNITY INTEREST Company.
The company applied for charity status in August 24.
Non-profit model
CIC`s are NON PROFIT ORGANISATIONS overseen by an office of the government ‘Companies House’ which applies strict business law to ensure we operate transparently and according to our stated aims.
Being a CIC means that no company member , including the founders, can benefit from selling either the assets or the company, nor from spending any profits on personal wealth.
We can use our profits to pay for fair wages and conditions, raising the profile of the lowest paid staff in the live event sector.
We can invest in building resilient services for all our members, and we can reinvest profits into things that benefit the whole live events community. They are events staff and their families, or those living near to live event sites.
We can invest in building an industry that has national skills accreditation for the lowest paid staff, better PPE, new and old ideas or technology that reduce our environmental impact and expanding the inclusivity of staffing in the sector to encourage wider access to career pathways for disabled staff, minorities and retired people.
Our industry depends to a very large extent on the vast number of staff who make themselves flexible by being itinerant travellers, “on the road” with the same caring and community needs and responsibilities as settled residents and we are charged with facilitating this movement of labour with a much more humane approach.
A core part of our legal structure, is an obligation to invest in methods or projects that improve the physical environments where a live event takes place.
We have nominated a valuable and well-known event sustainability travel charity ECOLIBRIUM.EARTH to be our “asset lock” which is the charity that will benefit from the transfer of our assets if the company folds before our own charity is complete.
We are allowed to nominate other charities or similar CIC’s to benefit and may only distribute assets with permission of the CIC registrar.
What can our aims achieve?
Reduce waste, create a circular event economy and raise the profile of the poorest paid staff in the live events sector.
Our aims are fundamentally about sustainable goals and this means we can achieve the following:
Less pollution, notably the removal of plastics and forever chemicals from the food chain in the live events sector.
Long term financial stability of events. Transfer of the financial cost from waste management and disposables procurement, to a circular economic model using green services.
Reduction of overall water and land-use from the raw materials servicing live events.
A long-term reduction in greenhouse gases:
More attendees will be able to use shared travel.
Minimal energy use for washing reusables and transport of reusables.
An improved careers outlook for staff and a wider representative workforce from all walks of life.
Enhanced local circular zero-waste economy and in the European Green stainless steel industry.
Assist in the stabilising global food security by changing culture of throwaway society to one that values materials realistically. Further reduction of food waste.
Makes the system of recycling cheaper, easier to manage and less confusing for the end user.
Events are more enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.
Wash-Hubs awarded “plastic free approved” status, by SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE
FOREVER CHEMICALS
PFAS continue to be used on a broad scale despite their adverse health effects, linking them to endocrine disorders, cancers and infertility.
Every area of the world and every person or animal now has measurable levels of PFAS, and scientists have concluded that we have exceeded the planetary boundary.
“Even rainwater in the most remote areas contains PFAS above the proposed safe levels for drinking water.”
Once these chemicals are in the environment, there is no way to take them back, and as long as they are still used and produced, the levels will increase.
Wash-Hubs PFAS free Commitment
In the event industry, PFAS are chemicals used in ALL food and drinks disposables or reusables, including those labelled “compostable” and “biodegradable”
WASH-HUBS replaces these harmful materials with CLEAN, GREEN, SAFE materials such as stainless steel, second-hand ceramic or renewable, natural items without forever chemicals.
“PLASTICS can ONLY BE PHASED OUT by adopting non-plastic safer materials for reusables and the best news for the live events sector is, that it`s now both affordable and practical to achieve this.”
Co-founder of Wash-Ability, Jo.
“EA chemicals are present in most reusable plastics”
the Food Packaging Forum
Our concerns about sustainability in events are very valid and reflect a growing awareness of the numerous environmental challenges we face. Indeed, climate change is just one piece of a vast puzzle that includes pollution, land use, water consumption, and material sourcing. Let’s break down our key points regarding pollution, materials, and sustainable practices.
Pollution
The issue of pollution, particularly in the food chain, is critical. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are indeed alarming chemicals found in various consumer products, including food packaging. Their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in living organisms present significant risks to health and ecosystems.
Alternatives to Disposables
Our emphasis on reusables versus disposables is spot on. The transition from single-use plastic and paper products to reusable alternatives like ceramic and stainless steel can lead to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.
While the weight of materials affects transportation emissions, the long lifespan and reduced frequency of replacement for reusables generally offer a net positive impact.
**Reusables**:
– **Ceramic and Stainless Steel**: These materials are more durable and can often be recycled, which contributes positively to their overall environmental footprint over their lifecycle. While upfront transport emissions may be higher, their long-term use and reduced waste generation establish them as sustainable choices.
– **Impact on Land and Water Use**: The cultivation of resources for producing plastics and the energy-intensive processes involved in their degradation further strain our ecosystem. By shifting to materials that minimize resource extraction and pollution, we contribute to a healthier environment.
**Disposables**:
– The carbon footprint associated with single-use materials isn’t limited to CO2 emissions alone. There’s also a broader spectrum of environmental costs, including habitat destruction (land use), freshwater pollution (water use), and the issue of waste management.
– Disposable items are increasingly scrutinized for their safety, particularly for food and drink contact. There is growing evidence suggesting potential health risks from chemicals leaching from such products into food and beverages.
### Going Forward
To enhance sustainability in events, stakeholders can:
– **Emphasize Education**: Inform participants and vendors about the benefits of reusable over disposable materials and the risks associated with plastic reusables.
– **Implement Practices** organizers to adopt policies that prioritize the use of reusables, such as deposit return systems for reusable items.
– **Monitor Supply Chains**: Ensure that all materials used are free from harmful chemicals like PFAS and prioritize local sourcing to reduce transportation emissions.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the move away from disposable items, especially those that contain harmful substances, is crucial for protecting health and the environment. As the awareness of these issues grows, so too does the responsibility of industries and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices. The shift towards reusables not only supports sustainability goals but also promotes a healthier future for all species on our planet.
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Given the concerns surrounding the bioaccumulation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and other harmful chemicals often found in plastics, it is reasonable to assert that using certain types of plastics for food serveware poses potential health risks. Here are some key points to consider:
**PFAS and Health Risks**
– **Bioaccumulation**: PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to accumulate in living organisms over time. This means that even low levels of exposure can lead to significant health concerns as these chemicals build up.
– **Health Concerns**: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, including immune dysfunction, hormonal disruption, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers, among others. The health risks associated with long-term exposure, even at low levels, are a growing concern.
**Plastic Leaching**
– **Chemical Leaching**: Many plastics can leach harmful substances into food and beverages, especially when exposed to heat or certain conditions (like acidic or fatty foods). This can include not only PFAS but also other harmful compounds like BPA (bisphenol A), phthalates, and various additives used in plastic production.
**Alternatives for Food Serveware**
– **Reusables**: Using materials such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic can help mitigate these risks, as they do not leach harmful chemicals into food. These materials also tend to last longer and produce less waste over time.
– **Natural Materials**: Opting for natural materials like bamboo or wheat straw can also be a healthier choice, as long as they don’t use harmful coatings or additives.
**Regulatory Environment**
– **Regulations Increasing**: As awareness of the dangers of PFAS and other harmful substances in plastics grows, many cities, states, and countries are beginning to implement stricter regulations on the use of these materials, particularly in food contact applications. This is indicative of a wider move toward ensuring food safety and public health.
Conclusion
Considering the evidence regarding the bioaccumulation of PFAS and other harmful substances present in many plastics used for food serveware, it is reasonable to conclude that using such materials is not optimal for health. Transitioning to safer, more sustainable alternatives can significantly reduce health risks associated with food service environments. This includes not just individual choices, but also broader initiatives in food service practices and regulations that prioritize health and safety.
Contact us or email info@wash-hubs
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