PM honours Leith Collective founder with award for sustainability work

The founder of plastic-free shop The Leith Collective says she is ‘honoured and delighted’ to receive an award from the Prime Minister for her “outstanding sustainability work”.

Sara Thomson was given the Points of Light award by Boris Johnson as part of a scheme that sees one volunteer, charity leader or community hero in the UK recognised every day for the positive change they are making.

The Leith Collective provides a platform for 130 artists brought together by a common aim to recycle, repurpose, and reimagine items that may otherwise have been destined for landfill.

It also actively supports individuals with mental health issues by providing vital employment opportunities and in January it became the UK’s first single-use plastic free shop of its kind.

Three months ago Ms Thomson took her message of sustainability west-side, opening The Clydeside Collective in Glasgow’s St Enoch Centre, followed by The Camdentown Collective in London’s Buck Street Market in September.

Most recently, she was specially selected to become a UK ‘One Step Greener’ ambassador and will showcase her story of how she is tackling climate change at COP26 in Glasgow next week.

The Prime Minister chose Ms Thomson to become the UK’s 1772nd Point of Light and wrote to her to personally thank her for her tireless work.

She also received an official Points of Light certificate and is hoping her award will inspire others to get involved.

On receiving the news of her award, she said; “This is such a genuine honour, I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award.

“In January 2021 The Leith Collective became the first plastic-free shop of its kind in the UK and since then we’ve seen more and more businesses take the plastic-free pledge.

“I’m thrilled that awareness of the importance of sustainability is growing and so many people are getting behind the campaign.

“I hope that by accepting this Point of Light award that others will be inspired to join us in creating a greener future for all’.