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SINGLE use plastic bottles take 450-plus years to degrade and they often end up in our rivers and oceans causing harm to wildlife.

As suppliers of clean, clear drinking water that tastes good, Northumbrian Water wants to make it easier than ever for everyone to opt for the refillable bottles, rather than the disposable bottle.

As such, Northumbrian Water has partnered up with City to Sea to promote and encourage free tap-water Refill stations to be made available in cafes, bars and shops on every high street and transport hub across the UK, meaning that people are able to refill water bottles easily, for free, and on the move. Since the launch in November, more than 600 businesses have signed up as a Refill station.

One of the ways you can help reduce plastic waste is to download the free Refill app. The app shows you where local business that have signed up as Refill stations are on a map, making it easy to find the nearest Refill stations to where you are, so you can fill your reusable water bottle on the go.

It’s also really easy to register your local café or restaurant if they are not already signed up, and it can all be done using the Refill app. Just make sure you ask the manager’s permission first.

To register a business, go to the blue circle on the map that shows your current location:

• Press and hold the location of the business - select 'create new' and then add the details such as name, city, postcode, website, twitter account details, plus a good picture.

• The City to Sea Refill team will then moderate before it goes live.

How to help reduce plastic pollution:

• Carry a refillable bottle and top up with tap for free.

• Say no to plastic cutlery and straws.

• Choose lollipops and cotton bud tips with paper/biodegradable wands/sticks.

• Make a commitment to picking up at least five pieces of plastic when you are out and about.

• Use a canvas bag when shopping.

• Choose loose fruit and vegetables instead of pre-packaged.

• Sign up your local café, pub or restaurant to the Refill scheme.

To find out more about Refill visit www.refill.co.uk