AssetID: 53155444
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Royal British Legion Launch New Eco-Friendly Plastic-Free Poppies Ahead Of 2023 Appeal
Caption: The Royal British Legion kicked off the 2023 Poppy Appeal on Thursday (26October2023) by introducing a new eco-friendly, plastic-free poppy for its supporters to buy. For the first time in a generation, the iconic symbol of Remembrance has undergone a transformation. The plastic-free poppy is constructed from 100 per cent paper, making it easily recyclable through household collections. It retains the classic poppy shape with a black centre embossed with 'Poppy Appeal' and a leaf, but eliminates the plastic stem and pistil. The poppy can be fastened with a pin in the stem, worn in a buttonhole, or applied as a stick-on version. The new eco-friendly poppy replaces the old version, which since the 1980s had featured the plastic parts alongside paper petals. Over the past three years, the Royal British Legion, in collaboration with expert partners, has developed this plastic-free poppy as part of its commitment to reducing single-use plastic and being more environmentally responsible and sustainable. The poppy is crafted from bespoke red and green paper, made from a blend of renewable fibres sourced responsibly, including 50% derived from offcuts created during the production of paper coffee cups. This innovative poppy, which is entirely recyclable at home, has garnered the support of celebrities like Dame Joanna Lumley, Mica Paris MBE, and Gyles Brandreth, who proudly wear it. Andy Taylor-Whyte, Director of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, says, "We want to encourage as many people as possible to get a poppy this year and show their gratitude and support to those in the Armed Forces whose service and sacrifice should never be forgotten. We're so proud that this year, we have our new plastic-free poppy too, so that the public can wear this poignant symbol of Remembrance, with less impact on the environment." The launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal marks the beginning of the national Remembrance period when the nation adorns the poppy and reflects on the service and sacrifices of the Armed Forces. Members of the public can obtain their poppies, either the traditional version or the new plastic-free alternative, from thousands of volunteers throughout the UK or from major supermarkets. All funds raised through the Poppy Appeal go towards supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families in various ways, from assisting with the cost of living, mental well-being, and housing to aiding recovery after trauma or illness. John Roberts, a 99-year-old D-Day veteran who served in the Royal Navy for 40 years, has worn various versions of the poppy for over 70 years. He adds: “I’ve been wearing a poppy for more than 70 years, all different versions from cardboard ones, cotton ones and ones with a plastic centre and today’s new plastic-free version but while the poppies have changed, what will always remain is its important meaning. When I see people wearing a poppy, I think of all those we lost in World War Two. “During the D-Day landings, my ship was based just off-shore at Sword Beach. I witnessed the destruction happening on-land – I’d never seen anything like it and never saw anything like it again. I was one of the lucky ones who survived as our ship was narrowly missed by a torpedo, so I wear my poppy to remember those who weren’t so lucky. They risked everything to protect our way of life and my poppy shows that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” Stacey Hodnett, a former healthcare assistant in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, shared her experience with PTSD and the Royal British Legion's support after she served in Kosovo, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Oman. Stacey explains: “When I was eventually diagnosed with PTSD, I was told that I’d been living with it for 10 years. When I look back, I realise that I had been suffering, but thought it was normal to have the traumatic dreams I was experiencing. “I tried to cover it up and lead a normal life, but I couldn’t. I became a recluse and was struggling with day-to-day life. I eventually reached out to the Royal British Legion, who put me on their week-long Battle Back Centre course in July 2015. "It was amazing what I achieved in just five days, and I’m so grateful for the support of the Royal British Legion, they helped me get out of a dark place. I truly feel that I’ve had a second opportunity at life.” To learn more or to make a donation to the Poppy Appeal, please visit rbl.org.uk.
Keywords: poppy appeal,royal british legion,poppies,feature,WW2,war,remembrance sunday,recycling,climate change,environment,photo,video
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