Amy and Ella Meek, Kids Against Plastic Founders, in New Years Honours List

Kids Against Plastic in New Years Honours List

Campaigning sisters, Amy and Ella Meek, who set out to raise awareness of environmental issues have been honoured in the 2022 New Years honours list and awarded with a British Empire Medal (BEM).

The Nottingham duo, now aged 18 and 16, set up the Kids Against Plastic charity and call for action against plastic pollution encouraging individuals, schools and businesses to be more ‘Plastic Clever’ by shunning unnecessary single-use plastics.

So far they have over 1,300 schools and 50 businesses committed to being Plastic Clever, via the Plastic Clever Schools and Plastic Clever Business initiatives, with the numbers rapidly growing.

More recently they set their sights on Nottinghamshire schools with their Plastic Clever Schools challenge aiming to encourage over 50% of the district’s schools to join the Plastic Clever initiative.

When asked about the honours, Amy said: "We were shocked really; surprised! We couldn't believe it because we just started our charity back in 2016 just wanting to start something small. We can't believe where it's come to today already, never mind to have been included in the New Year honours list.”

The campaigning doesn’t stop there, with the sisters delivering TED talks, addressing politicians in Westminster, publishing their ‘Be Plastic Clever’ book and speaking at various conferences and summits, including the United Nations’ Young Activist Summit in 2019.

In 2021 they were announced as winners of the Pride of Britain Awards in the Green Champions category.

It was also the year they reached their long-term goal of collecting 100,000 pieces of rubbish – one for every sea mammal killed by plastic pollution every year – a target they have been relentlessly working towards since February 2016.

Lynne Cullis, CEO of The Wastepack Group said: “We are so proud of how far Amy and Ella have come over the past few years, they are an inspiration for us all. They could not be more deserving of the recognition they are receiving; their commitment and enthusiasm is second to none and we’re pleased to support their cause. We can’t wait to see what the trail blazers have in store for 2022!”


If you're a business looking to make a difference this year contact our team and find out more about becoming a Plastic Clever Business; take it one step further with Net Zero goals.

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