The Final Straw Foundation is proud to relaunch its environmental Accreditation scheme, expanding its scope beyond single-use plastics to help businesses, across any industry, tackle plastic waste and adopt broader sustainability practices. Due to increasing demand, it is open to a wider range of industries – including offices, hospitality, sports clubs, retail, well-being, events and manufacturing – to support their environmental commitments. It remains a free accreditation with no fees, costs or re-certification.

Bianca Carr, Founder of the Final Straw Foundation “recognises that sustainability is a journey, not a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we’ve built a flexible accreditation that allows businesses to focus on one area at a time or make broader changes across their operations. Whether you’re just starting out or already making great strides, we want to reward and recognise your progress.” The accreditation now incorporates several wider sustainability actions, such as waste reduction, responsible sourcing and circular economy initiatives. 

There are three levels – Bronze, Silver, and Gold, that celebrate incremental improvements and long-term commitments, no matter where you start. With improved usability, the supportive free accreditation and accompanying resources, with clear guidance, improved online access, and the ability to track progress, make participation easy. 

Businesses that join the scheme will enjoy a range of benefits, including an enhanced brand reputation, showing customers, suppliers and the public that they take sustainability seriously. Staff will be inspired by meaningful environmental initiatives that can extend beyond the workplace. The scheme will help businesses to prepare for future sustainability legislation and demonstrate compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, businesses that sign up will be able to access free resources & guidance, taking the guesswork out of sustainability with clear, actionable support.

Lissie Pollard, Co-founder of Final Straw Foundation, said: 

“We’ve expanded this accreditation to help businesses work on reducing waste, making responsible choices, and contributing to a healthier planet, all at a pace that suits them. It’s easy (and free!) to sign up and we are looking forward to helping more businesses reduce their single-use plastic footprint. We hope that some of these changes may also make their way home with staff, so the ripple effect will create even more positive change for the environment.”

Ready to take action, sign-up for free today at www.finalstrawcertified.org.