ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

With over 12.7 million tonnes of plastic entering the ocean every year, killing over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals, it is estimated that by 2050 plastic will outweigh fish in our seas. Humans produce nearly 300 million tonnes of plastic every year, half of which is for single use.

Society is more aware of the urgency needed in environmental sustainability. The topic is moving higher up the business agenda too and now the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) UK chapter is urging the facility management industry to follow suit.

"FM has a huge role to play in breaking this cycle of plastic use and must take the lead in ensuring that innovative solutions are created to enable businesses to eliminate their reliance and use of single-use plastic," says Paul Bagust, RICS global property standards director and IFMA UK director.

"We are calling on the industry to further demonstrate the strategic value it has for many years claimed it provides. This may be the opportunity for our profession to showcase its role to business and governments around the world."Antony Law, fellow IFMA UK director and md London at Churchill added: "IFMA UK is championing a movement to end FM's dependence on plastic. To encourage environmentally-conscious behaviour across the industry, we'll be running an event with Greenpeace and Kids Against Plastic.

"This is the first in an event series - and in the future we will be shining a light on the organisations that are doing their bit to safeguard the planet."

FMA UK's philanthropic event on the evening of the Tuesday April 16 will feature debates and guest speakers outside of the built environment including Will McCallum, head of oceans at Greenpeace and author of How to Give Up Plastic: A Guide to Changing the World, One Plastic Bottle at a Time, and Amy and Ella Meek, aged 15 and 13, the founders of Kids Against Plastic!

IFMA UK members and RICS professionals are guaranteed a place at this exclusive event. Non-members are welcome to apply for a place.

Entry will be on a donation basis and all funds will go to Kids Against Plastic!

Click here to apply for a place.