Sustainability

Betws-y-Coed – an official Plastic Free Community

Betws-y-Coed and District is proudly certified as an official Plastic Free Community by the marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

As the historic gateway to Eryri | Snowdonia, our community is deeply committed to protecting the breathtaking natural environment that surrounds us.

To achieve this status, eight local community councils united alongside residents and dozens of independent businesses to systematically eliminate single-use plastics.

From hotels, B&Bs and guest houses replacing disposable toiletries to cafes swapping out plastic packaging, our local ‘Plastic Free Champions‘ are leading the charge in sustainable tourism.

Supported by regular community litter picks and aligned with the Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) initiative, Betws-y-Coed stands as a dedicated, eco-friendly destination where visitors can enjoy nature responsibly!

What you can do to help!

We want to keep our beautiful corner of Eryri | Snowdonia pristine.

Here are a few quick and easy ways you can join our plastic-free mission during your visit:

• Bring a reusable water bottle: Tap water is perfectly safe to drink here, and local businesses will happily top up your bottle for free or there is a free refill station near Pont-y-Pair bridge
• Pack your own shopping bags: Keep a canvas or reusable bag handy for your souvenirs, outdoor gear purchases, and local treats!
• Refuse single-use packaging: Say no to plastic straws, cutlery, and single-use condiments when grabbing a bite to eat or a takeaway coffee
• Leave no trace: Always take your litter home with you, or use the recycling bins provided around the village
• Support certified businesses: Look out for the official ‘Plastic Free Champion’ window stickers and signs when choosing where to eat, sleep, and shop

Other sustainability initiatives in Eryri | Snowdonia National Park

Eryri | Snowdonia National Park is leading the way in sustainable tourism and conservation through pioneering, community-driven initiatives designed to protect its iconic landscapes.

At the heart of these efforts is the groundbreaking Plastic Free Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) campaign, an ambitious mission to make the UK’s most-visited mountain the world’s first plastic-free peak by targeting single-use plastics at their source.

Beyond waste reduction, the National Park Authority prioritises sustainable transport networks like the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service, which significantly lowers carbon emissions and eases road congestion by connecting visitors to key locations within the national park.

Combined with widespread peatland restoration projects that capture carbon, and partnerships with local businesses to promote circular economies, Eryri | Snowdonia is successfully balancing high visitor numbers with robust environmental preservation, so the National Park remains a beautiful place to visit for generations to come.