ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner Sir David Attenborough has written to a Wokingham couple praising them for highlighting the problem of plastic pollution.
David and Rachel Lamont launched a Facebook page called Plastic Free Home after hearing the legendary naturalist and broadcaster speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos last December.
They wrote to thank him for challenging world leaders and business chiefs and told him about their blog which they run from their house in the town.
Paul said he and Rachel were “stunned” when they received a handwritten reply just a week later praising their own efforts.
It read: “Thank you for your letter and all you are doing to help in the battle against plastic pollution. How good it would be if everyone did as you do.”
David has now posted the letter, which was signed “best wishes, David Attenborough,” on the couple’s Facebook page.
“It was amazing to receive a letter from such a great man and one who is so busy,” explained David.
“He replied just a week after we wrote to him. It wasn’t just something someone else typed out for him to sign. It was handwritten which makes it all the more special.”
The couple, who have two young children, decided to set up their own campaign after what they describe as Sir David’s “generation defining speech” at Davos.
“It was the tipping point as it really brought home how imminent the risks and challenges we face are,” added David.
“Having young children ourselves has made us think even more about the issue. We would like the planet we pass onto them to be a healthier one than it is today.
“We intended our blog to be a meeting place, both for people in Wokingham as well as people further afield and we now have users in Romania and America.
“We want to share simple thoughts, ideas and news around the issue of plastic waste in the hope that it may also encourage others to think differently and to make small but worthwhile differences.
“I’ve been blown away by the number of people who have got involved in Plastic Free Home and continue to share their own experiences and to ask questions.”
The couple’s blog reaches around 70,000 people every month with 23,000 likes and shares.
They feature details of local plastic free shops around Berkshire and offer advice on how to go plastic free.
“Many people want to do something but don’t know how to or even where to start, so we help with ideas and information,” said David.
“We are delighted with how the blog has caught on and we are thrilled someone like Sir David Attenborough has given us his stamp of approval.”
You can follow the blog on the Plastic Free Home Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/Plastic-Free-Home-Simple-Changes-We-Can-All-Make-475913276148529